India will jointly host the Global Wildlife Programme (GWP) with World Bank and United Nations Development Programme. The programme will be launched on October 2.
The GWP will address issues related to illegal wildlife trade across 19 countries in Asia and Africa. It will act as a platform to exchange knowledge and coordinate in on-ground action for combating illegal poaching of wildlife and improve governance on wildlife conservation.
Speaking at a conference on September 29, Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change emphasised on the role of forest dwelling communities in the management of wildlife. He spoke on how plans for wildlife conservation have focused on national parks and sanctuaries, however, the strategies and programmes will now be based on the landscape of the region. He added that the impact of global warming, climate change and disaster management on wildlife and the people living around it will also be discussed.
The minister said that a 15-year-long National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31), with a special focus on peoples’ participation will also be launched on October 2.
The GWP will hold discussions on management of wildlife habitat, securing sustainable community livelihood, enhancing enforcement, monitoring, cooperation to reduce wildlife crimes such as poaching and related threats. The conference will provide an opportunity for India to showcase its conservation efforts through joint forest management, vana sanrakshan samitis, eco-development committees in and around protected areas.