| Fact Sheet Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science Washington, DC March 2, 2006 India and United States Agree to Bold New Steps to Save Wildlife
India and the U.S. have strong, historic ties in wildlife conservation. Over 25 years, the U.S. government and private sector have shared scientific and managerial expertise and provided financial support for Indian conservation efforts. Our cooperative work has ranged from research on how to manage human-wildlife conflicts to conservation education projects. Our two countries are working on a host of projects toward our shared wildlife conservation goals. India and the U.S. have strong, historic ties in wildlife conservation. To further this important work, India and the U.S. agreed to: (1) work together to combat the illegal trade in wildlife and (2) promote conservation through cooperation on park management, ecotourism, and a better understanding of human-animal conflict. India to Join the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT) India has agreed to become a partner in CAWT, launched by the U.S. in September 2005. Wildlife trafficking – the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife parts – is a soaring black market worth an estimated $10 billion a year. Demand for exotic pets, rare foods, trophies and traditional medicines is driving tigers, elephants, rhinos, exotic birds and many other species to the brink of extinction, threatening global biodiversity. Additionally, trafficking in wild animals could facilitate the spread of many zoonotic diseases, including avian influenza (AI). CAWT will focus political and public attention on wildlife trafficking and improve regional/international cooperation on wildlife law enforcement. As a member of CAWT, the Indian government will be part of a global team which will promote: Initially, the coalition consisted of the United States and seven internationally known conservation organizations – Conservation International, TRAFFIC International, WildAid, Save the Tiger Fund, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Smithsonian Institution, as well as the American Forest and Paper Association. Since CAWT’s formation, the United Kingdom, International Tropical Timber Organization, Cheetah Conservation Fund, International Fund for Animal Welfare and Humane Society International have joined as partners. India and U.S. Pledge New Cooperation on Parks and Ecotourism. The U.S. and India agree to pursue several new initiatives to promote wildlife conservation . This new work will include: |
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