Thailand Attaches Great Importance to Wildlife Conservation and Preservation

(05/03/2013)

Thailand is playing its part to take forward the agenda of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), particularly in protecting endangered species. The 16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES, or CITES CoP16, is taking place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok from 3 to 14 March 2013. In her opening statement at the conference, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra stressed that promoting conservation and preservation of wildlife is Thailand’s priority. This is the second time that CITES CoP is being organized in Thailand; the first one in Thailand, CITES Cop 13, was in 2004. She believes that the return of CITES CoP to Thailand shows the trust and confidence that CITES has in Thailand’s contributions to protecting wildlife, conserving natural habitats and promoting cooperation. Thailand is implementing a National Master Plan of Wildlife Resources Conservation 2005-2014. The master plan sets clear targets to increase effectiveness in achieving standardized wildlife and habitat conservation and in pursuing programs to return rare and endangered species back to their original habitats. Thailand also aims to protect the environment that provides the national habitat and ecosystems for species. The Prime Minister cited the Dong Phayayen – Khao Yai Forest Complex and the Thung Yai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries as examples. They are rich in bio-diversity and recognized as World Heritage sites. This broader approach not only better protects wildlife but also supports the Government’s policy to promote sustainable development and green growth. Prime Minister Yingluck referred to CITES Cop 13 in Bangkok, where the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network was initiated. The network has made a lot of progress in such areas as capacity-building and harmonization of regulations. She pointed out that, with the ASEAN region containing much of the world’s known plant, animal and marine species, ASEAN has a lot to contribute. As ASEAN becomes a more connected community in 2015, it will be more important to protect the region from illegal cross-border activities. The Prime Minister hopes that protection of wildlife and cooperation against illicit trade in endangered species will become part of ASEAN’s strategy to reduce the negative impact of enhanced connectivity. Regarding elephants, she explained that they are very important for Thai culture. Throughout Thai history, elephants have been the pillars of development for the country. Thailand is implementing its CITES obligations by cooperating to combat international trafficking in ivory. Unfortunately, many have used Thailand as a transit country for the illegal international ivory trade. The Government’s measures to tackle this problem are as follows: • First, the Government has enhanced intelligence and customs cooperation with foreign countries, which has helped limit the smuggling of ivory from African elephants; • Second, it is strictly enforcing the current legal frameworks, by limiting the supply of ivory products to only those made from domestic elephants which is legal under the current legislation. Domestic elephants are also legal for use as local means of transportation in hilly forest areas. This can be done by enforcing comprehensive and system-wide registration of both the domestic elephants and ivory products and thereby further exposing illegal ivory trade and products; • Third, as a next step, the Government will work toward amending the national legislation with the goal of putting an end to ivory trade and to be in line with international norms. This will help protect all forms of elephants including Thailand’s wild and domestic elephants and those from Africa. The Prime Minister emphasized that no one cares more about elephants than the Thai people and that Thailand is prepared to work in partnership with all stakeholders, from civil society to local communities to CITES Parties.