Nepal calls for stronger global action against wildlife trafficking at UN

Kathmandu, June 9: Nepal has called for stronger international cooperation, enhanced law enforcement and greater support for local communities to combat wildlife trafficking and environmental crimes.

Addressing a UN General Assembly high-level debate on preventing and combating illicit trafficking in wildlife and other crimes affecting the environment, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN Lok Bahadur Thapa said protecting wildlife and biodiversity is a national responsibility rooted in Nepal’s long-standing commitment to conservation.

Thapa highlighted Nepal’s progress in biodiversity conservation and wildlife crime prevention through robust legislation, political commitment, institutional coordination and community stewardship. He reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to combating the illegal trade in endangered species and conserving biodiversity.

Noting that Nepal hosts the Secretariat of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), Thapa said the country continues to advance regional cooperation, intelligence sharing and coordinated responses against illegal wildlife trade and other transboundary crimes.

He stressed that environmental crimes require a whole-of-government, whole-of-society and international response, calling for stronger institutions, improved enforcement, joint operations and capacity building. He also emphasized empowering local communities, particularly women and youth, and urged the international community to enhance financial resources, technology transfer and technical assistance to support countries working to protect wildlife and the environment.