International Seminar on Combating wildlife trafficking – Cooperation between SouthEast Asia and France

Large amounts of data from various sources suggest that South East Asia is affected by wildlife trafficking as a provenance, transit and destination region. Indeed, numerous transnational organized crime groups actively abuse and traffic endangered wildlife species around the globe thus making tremendous illegal profits. France is deeply concerned by this situation as it is home to various protected species, such as glass-eels, which are often targeted by poachers. France is also a transit destination for wildlife traffic from Africa to Asia.

In order to tackle criminal activities that destroy fauna at an alarming rate in both South East Asia and Europe, strong international cooperation is required.

This seminar will bring together prosecutors and law enforcement officers from eight countries (Thailand, France, Cambodia, Lao, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore) will present their expertise at round tables. Each country will present the challenges and legal and operational tools in the fight against this trafficking. Subsequently, experts will discuss international cooperation mechanisms in combating this trafficking via air, sea and land routes.