“All eight countries will be represented in the meet which is aimed at bringing about regional commitment on fighting trade in wildlife trade,” Tulsi Sharma, the spokesperson for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, said.[break]
During the meeting, each country will present its profile and national commitment on wildlife trade. Sharma informed that mitigation strategy and role of international support will also be discussed.
Besides government officials, the delegation will include representatives from security forces, NGOs/INGOs, representatives of WWF and CITES, among others.
South Asia is a hub of wildlife trade. Nepal is considered a transit point for illegal trade of animal parts, especially rihno horns and tiger parts.
The year 2010 is also being observed as Tiger Year and Nepal government has initiated joint programs with India and China to check all criminal activities flourishing in the country. It has proposed memorandum of understanding with both the neighbors.
The Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation has also floated a plan for formation of a High Level Crime Control Bureau under the leadership of the prime minister.
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