Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Ministry of Water Resources said Bangladesh is dedicated to upholding Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) commitments.
The country is vowed to continue to take proactive steps to support conservation and sustainable management of wildlife resources in Bangladesh.
“We are committed to enhancing its compliance with the CITES,” she said.
Rizwana emphasised the importance of effectively managing CITES-listed species, improving regulatory measures, and curbing wildlife trade in line with CITES recommendations.
Environment adviser made the statement during a consultation meeting held on Thursday at her office in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
“We need to address the gaps in policy and enforcement to ensure the conservation of endangered species in Bangladesh,” the Advisor added, stressing the need for capacity building, especially in species identification and handling, to bolster CITES compliance.
To ensure the smooth trade and protection of CITES-listed specimens, the Adviser highlighted the need for clear protocols and training programs for field officials, enabling them to identify and handle live species effectively. Through these measures, Bangladesh aims to contribute to global efforts to combat transnational wildlife crime and protect biodiversity.
The consultation focused on measures to strengthen CITES compliance activities in Bangladesh by scaling up management efforts to counter illegal wildlife trade.
Key areas discussed included the amendment of relevant laws to enhance the regulatory framework, supporting ongoing initiatives, and exploring further ways to fortify enforcement mechanisms.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Conservator of Forest of Wildlife Circle, Director Wildlife Crime control unit of Forest Department, and senior officials from both ministry and the Forest Department.
