KATHMANDU, Sept 11, 2026 — Member countries of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) have unanimously adopted the “Kathmandu Declaration” to strengthen regional cooperation against illegal wildlife trade and transnational organized crime.
The declaration was adopted on Friday at the closing session of SAWEN’s first General Assembly in Kathmandu. It reaffirmed member states’ commitment to preventing, detecting and combating wildlife crime through stronger regional coordination.
The declaration expressed concern that illegal wildlife trafficking is becoming increasingly complex, involving organized cross-border criminal networks, corruption, illicit financial flows, misuse of digital technology and weak border controls. It called for intelligence-led and financial investigations, anti-money laundering measures, asset recovery and stronger judicial action.
.jpeg)
Member countries also pledged to enhance information and intelligence sharing, coordinated law enforcement and criminal justice cooperation. They agreed to strengthen the capacity and security of rangers, customs officials, police, prosecutors and other frontline personnel while promoting the use of science, technology, research and regional knowledge to tackle emerging wildlife threats.
Speaking at the closing session, Bangladesh’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said wildlife crime could no longer be tackled by any single country. He called for timely intelligence sharing, joint investigations and coordinated operations to counter increasingly organized and technology-driven trafficking networks.
The declaration also emphasized public awareness, education and behavioural change to reduce demand for illegal wildlife products, with greater involvement of local communities, civil society, youth, women, media and private-sector stakeholders.
Member states further agreed to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation along border areas and expand partnerships with relevant international organizations and development partners. January 30 will be observed annually as “SAWEN Day.”
SAWEN’s first General Assembly was held in Kathmandu from Sept 8-11, 2026, bringing together member countries to strengthen regional cooperation in wildlife law enforcement.
