U.S. and India Sign MOU on Combating Wildlife Trafficking

Guest BloggerAsia, India, North America, Southern Asia, United States
India is home to 70% of the world's greater one-horned rhino population. Photo by Dasdhritiman via Wikimedia Commons
India is home to 70% of the world’s greater one-horned rhino population. Photo by Dasdhritiman via Wikimedia Commons

The United States and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate joint efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and promote other wildlife conservation measures in India.

Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Catherine Novelli and Indian Ambassador to the United States Arun K. Singh signed the MOU for their respective countries.

The MOU will allow the United States and India to:

  • Strengthen capacity for wildlife conservation and management in India, including efforts to protect critical habitat;
  • Develop scientific information in support of conservation programs;
  • Build public awareness;
  • Stabilize and increase populations of threatened and endangered species;
  • Strengthen law enforcement capacity;
  • Combat illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products.

Under the MOU, the two governments also aim to cooperate regionally and globally to combat wildlife trafficking.

The United States values India’s leadership on wildlife conservation and looks forward to working jointly on this important issue.

Source: U.S. Department of State

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