Press Releases

Tiger Protection Efforts at Ranthambore Receive U.S. Support

November 5, 2007

NEW DELHI - Representatives from the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) and the Rajasthan Forest Department, inaugurated a three-day workshop on wildlife crime prevention and enforcement at the Dev Vilas Hotel, Sawai Mahdopur, near Ranthambore National Park, on November 4, 2007.  In addition to senior Embassy officials and wildlife conservationists over 60 forest guards and police officials are attending the workshop to discuss current challenges and opportunities in wildlife conservation, especially India's threatened tiger population. 

Speaking at the inauguration, Peter Kaestner, Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs, U.S. Embassy, emphasized the importance of all stakeholders working together toward a common goal of tiger protection.   Claudia McMurray, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. State Department, visiting India to attend the workshop, discussed U.S. efforts in combating wildlife trafficking globally.  She highlighted the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT) which brings together governments and non governmental organizations to stop the growing threats to wildlife from poaching and illegal trade.   Both the United States and India are founding partners in CAWT.  Assistant Secretary McMurray also described a number of U.S.-India collaborative efforts to protect wildlife, reflecting the longstanding interest United States has in helping India protect its natural treasures.  In her remarks at the inaugural ceremony, Ms. McMurray spoke of the wonder of seeing tigers in the wild, and the urgency of moving quickly to protect the remaining tiger populations before it is too late.

Executive Director of the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), Belinda Wright, and. R.N. Mehrotra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Rajasthan were among other opening day speakers.  Topics ranged from the policing of urban areas near important wildlife habitats to NGO support for wildlife crime enforcement efforts and the use of forensic science in wildlife crime enforcement.  Attending the workshop were leading wildlife experts and law enforcement officials from across India.

The following two days of the workshop will focus on training and simulation exercises with forest guards, who serve as the first line of defense against wildlife crime.  Forest guards and police officials will learn forensic techniques and other skills necessary for wildlife protection and enforcement from leading wildlife experts.

The Embassy's Environment and Science Section worked in cooperation with the Wildlife Protection Society of India and the Rajasthan Forest Society to design and organize the three day training sessions and policy discussions.  The workshop was made possible through a grant from the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Section.