Deputy Head of the Agriculture Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Somvang Phimmavong (R) and Conservation Director, WWF Laos, Mr Chris Hallum at the meeting in Vientiane on May 25.

(KPL) Snare hunting is one of the major problems facing wildlife in Laos, with some species decreasing and at risk of extinction.

The WWF Laos and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry have organized a National Consultation meeting on Strengthening Wildlife Law Regulation and Enforcement to stop the Snaring Crisis in Laos.

The meeting was held in Vientiane on May 25 in the presence of Deputy Head of the Agriculture Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Somvang Phimmavong and Conservation Director, WWF Laos, Mr Chris Hallum.

“The reason why the wildlife is decreasing and at risk of extinction is the loose enforcement of laws and regulations on animal protection and eradication of wildlife snare equipment,” said Mr Somvang.

Snares can be found in a number of forest reserves in Laos. They pose threats to wildlife and ecosystems. Snaring - mostly to supply the illegal wildlife trade - is a key threat to wildlife, ecosystems, human health and therefore livelihoods.

A report, prepared and researched by WWF scientists, has estimated at least 12.3 million snares are present in the protected areas of the Lao PDR, Cambodia and Viet Nam.

“So one wish I have is that as a group here we can think of proactive ways to address this crisis at multiple levels – at the protected area level, in trade and on the demand side, and ensure that the abundant forest of Laos does not turn slowly into silent forest and dead forest.  A dead forest does not support poverty alleviation.  A thriving forest does,” said Conservation Director of WWF-Laos, Mr Chris Hallum.

The meeting is related to one of the key areas of WWF-Laos’ 5-year plan the key goal of which is to stop illegal trade in wildlife and keep wildlife alive - contributing to the ecosystems, according to Chris Hallam.

KPL