Staff Correspondent

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said Bangladesh is dedicated to upholding Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) commitments and will continue to take proactive steps to support conservation and sustainable management of wildlife resources in the country.

"We are committed to enhancing its compliance with the CITES," she said during a consultation meeting held today at her office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to a press release.

She emphasized the importance of effectively managing CITES-listed species, improving regulatory measures, and curbing wildlife trade in line with CITES recommendations.

"We need to address the gaps in policy and enforcement to ensure the conservation of endangered species in Bangladesh," the adviser said 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 release added.

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 the ministry and the Forest Department.