Archive · 12 Sep 2026
South Asian Nations Pledge Coordinated Action Against Wildlife Crime
Eight South Asian countries agreed to work more closely to stop illegal wildlife trading.
They made this promise through the Kathmandu Declaration.
The countries will share information and intelligence about wildlife criminals.
They will also investigate money linked to these crimes and try to recover criminal assets.
Police and courts will cooperate against organised groups working across borders.
The plan also covers biopiracy and illegal access to biological resources.
Countries will use science, technology and research to improve their efforts.
They adopted a plan covering 2026 to 2030.
January 30 will become SAWEN Day each year.
Eight South Asian countries adopted the Kathmandu Declaration on coordinated action against illegal wildlife trade.
The countries agreed to share intelligence, conduct financial investigations and use anti-money laundering measures.
They will pursue organised criminal networks through coordinated enforcement and criminal justice responses.
The South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network adopted an Implementation Plan for 2026–2030 and a three-year work programme.
January 30 will be observed annually as SAWEN Day, marking the network’s launch in Bhutan in 2011.
- Who
- Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bhutan, through the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network.
- What
- The countries pledged coordinated action against illegal wildlife trade and related transnational organised crime.
- When
- The first General Assembly was held on September 10–11; January 30 will be observed annually as SAWEN Day.
- Where
- Kathmandu, Nepal; the network was formally launched in Bhutan in 2011.
- Why
- To protect the region’s natural heritage and biodiversity and address threats to the rule of law, security and sustainable development.
- Network
- South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network
- Members
- Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bhutan
- Declaration
- Kathmandu Declaration
- Implementation period
- 2026–2030
- Work programme
- Three-year programme for 2026/27–2028/29
- Annual observance
- SAWEN Day will be observed on January 30
- Additional focus
- Marine and freshwater wildlife crime, biopiracy, demand reduction and regional intelligence cooperation