South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN)

Context

Recently, member countries of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) adopted the Kathmandu Declaration to improve regional action against illegal wildlife trade and transnational organised wildlife crime.

About SAWEN

1. Nature: An intergovernmental law-enforcement support network for combating wildlife crime in South Asia.
2. Members: 8 countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
3. Established: Launched in 2011 at the second meeting of the South Asia Experts Group on Illegal Wildlife Trade in Paro, Bhutan.
4. Secretariat: Kathmandu, Nepal.
5. Core Approach: Promotes cooperation, coordination, information sharing, communication and capacity building among member countries

Governance Structure

1. General Assembly: Apex body comprising concerned Ministers or senior government representatives from member countries.
2. Executive Committee: Includes the principal focal points nominated by member countries.
3. Secretariat: Headed by a Secretary General and responsible for the network’s day-to-day functioning.

Key Objectives

1. Policy Coordination: Promote greater harmonisation of laws and policies related to wildlife and biodiversity conservation.
2. Crime Monitoring: Track poaching and illegal wildlife trade and assess threats to regional biodiversity.
3. Capacity Building: Facilitate training, research, technical assistance and information exchange among enforcement agencies.
4. National Action Plans: Encourage members to develop and implement National Action Plans against wildlife crime.
5. Regional Cooperation: Strengthen joint efforts against cross-border wildlife crime.

FAQs

Q1. What is SAWEN?
Ans: SAWEN is an intergovernmental regional network that supports South Asian countries in combating wildlife crime through cooperation and capacity building.

Q2. Where is the SAWEN Secretariat located?
Ans: The Secretariat is located in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Q3. How many countries are members of SAWEN?
Ans: SAWEN has eight members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.