The French Embassy, in collaboration with the French Directorate of International Security Cooperation (DCIS), recently hosted a two-day International Seminar on the Fight Against Poaching and Wildlife Trafficking in Kathmandu. The event took place on May 29-30 and brought together participants from various organizations and countries.
Key participants included representatives from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Environment, and the Office of the Attorney General.
Additionally, delegates from Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the USA, France’s Central Office for Coordinating Environmental and Public Health Crime (O.C.L.A.E.S.P), French Customs, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) attended the seminar.
In her opening remarks, Leela Devaradjalou, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the French Embassy, expressed gratitude to the Government of Nepal for facilitating the organization of this crucial event. She emphasized that the participation of 13 countries underscored the urgency of addressing wildlife-related challenges. Leela Devaradjalou also highlighted the irreversible consequences of wildlife attacks.
Brigadier General Sanjay Deuja, representing the Nepali Army’s National Park and Wildlife Conservation Directorate, shared insights into the Nepali Army’s tireless efforts in combating poaching within national parks. He reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Nepal’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
Fabrice Cotelle, the Police Attaché for Nepal, concluded the seminar by emphasizing the importance of building strong collaborative networks. He urged participants to consolidate the connections forged during the two-day event to enhance the fight against environmental crimes.
Financial support for the seminar came from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Security and Defence Cooperation Directorate (DCSD). The seminar provided a valuable platform for sharing experiences, discussing best practices, and strategizing effective ways to combat poaching and wildlife trafficking.
This seminar aligns with the Nepal-France Green Roadmap, a cooperative framework established between the two countries in 2023 to address environmental issues.
