Experience sharing program held

The SAWEN Secretariat organized a virtual experience sharing program in participation of focal persons and representatives from the SAWEN member countries. The program was held virtually on 04 August 2021. Opening of the program, Deepak Kumar Kharal, PhD, Chief Enforcement Coordinator (CEC) of SAWEN highlighted objectives of the program and elucidated the rational of being held such program adding the subject matter chosen for this edition. Dr. Kharal shared that this is the first experience sharing of its kind organized by SAWEN by emphasizing exchange of information and intelligence is one of the major inputs in combating wildlife crime especially transborder illegal wildlife trade.

For this episode, the Secretariat coordinated with Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), India to share experiences on successful operations carried out under its umbrella in the fight against wildlife crime. WCCB exemplified itself in controlling wildlife crime activities through various efforts including nationwide operations and achieving success that have been recognized by national and international communities.

Ms. Tilotama Varma, Additional Director, WCCB-India and SAWEN Focal Person of India shared details of the operations carried out by WCCB-India since 2016 focusing on different themes. The operations include 'operation Kurma', 'Lesknow-I, II, III', 'Wildnet-I, II, III', 'Birbal', 'Freefly', 'Softgold', 'Cleanart' and others along with actively engaging in global operations. The WCCB succeeded in identifying and arresting wildlife offenders; documenting criminal profiles; seizure of large quantity of live wildlife and wildlife commodities; generating advisories after each operation; initiate for purple notices as result of the operations.