Kathmandu, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : Eight member countries of the South Asian Wildlife Enforcement Network adopted the Kathmandu Declaration on September 11, 2026. This agreement aims to bolster regional efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade through coordinated law enforcement, financial investigations, and criminal justice collaboration.
The South Asian Wildlife Enforcement Network is an intergovernmental organization comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Its inaugural general assembly took place in Kathmandu, Nepal, from September 10 to 11.
The Kathmandu Declaration emphasizes that illegal wildlife trade poses significant threats not only to biodiversity but also to public health, the rule of law, security, and sustainable development. Member countries reaffirmed their political commitment to tackle this pressing issue.
Concerns were raised in the declaration regarding wildlife traffickers exploiting digital technologies and gaps in border security. In response, member nations pledged to enhance the use of science and technology to address related crimes more effectively.
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