Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy and ERDS Foundation Host Workshop on Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan — The ERDS Foundation, in collaboration with the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, successfully organized a two-day workshop on controlling illegal wildlife trade in Jaisalmer. The event saw participation from over 80 individuals, including frontline staff from the Rajasthan Forest Department and local volunteers dedicated to wildlife conservation efforts in the region. The workshop was held at Panchayat Samiti Hall, Jaisalmer.
The workshop featured expert insights from Sharath Babu R., Wildlife Consultant with the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics; Dr. Sumit Dookia, Wildlife Biologist with the ERDS Foundation; Debadityo Sinha, Lead on Climate & Ecosystems at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy; and Wildlife Trade Expert from Bombay Natural History’ Society. The session was presided over by Mr. Ashutosh Ojha, Divisional Forest Officer, Jaisalmer Forest Division.
Key topics of discussion included the pressing need for human-wildlife coexistence and increased awareness of wildlife laws. The speakers highlighted the significance of curbing the poaching of protected species such as the Spiny-tailed Lizard and Pangolin, which are part of international wildlife trafficking networks. Additionally, the workshop explored the enforcement of regulations regarding exotic species recently added to India’s wildlife protection laws.
The participants engaged in meaningful discussions on responsible tourism practices, emphasizing the role of frontline forest stagff-forest guards, range officers, local communities, tourists, and hospitality stakeholders in ensuring the safety and protection of the region’s wildlife.
This workshop marks an important step in enhancing the capacity of forest staff and local volunteers to combat illegal wildlife trade, further safeguarding Rajasthan’s rich biodiversity.
