Union Cabinet approves MoU between US and India to enhance cooperation in wildlife conservation
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and United States (US) to enhance cooperation in the field of wildlife conservation and combating wildlife trafficking.
With this approval, India will benefit from the expertise of the US Institutions in the field of (i) Wildlife conservation (ii) Combating illegal trade of wildlife and their derivatives (iii) Management of wildlife areas.
The MoU seeks cooperation in the following areas
- Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Genetics: it will be useful in the efforts of species conservation and better scientific evidence collection in wild life crimes that will lead to better enforcement.
- Natural World Heritage Conservation: Facilitate the existing institutional capacity of UNESCO Category-two centre at Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
- Nature Interpretation and Conservation Awareness: Use of information technology (IT) to strengthen interface of forest managers with the people for sensitising them especially the children and youth in understanding complex issues of conservation of biodiversity.
Background
India and US are endowed with rich biodiversity and natural heritage. Both countries also have established a network of Protected Areas in their respective territories.
As both countries similarities in the field of wildlife conservation and combating wildlife trafficking there is common scope for them to share professional expertise to address priority in this field and the MoU would provide a convenient platform for collaboration.
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Month: Current Affairs - June, 2016