Department of Forestry and Department of Tourism Development Strengthen Cooperation to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade in the Tourism Sector under CITES

Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, 30 June 2026 — The Department of Tourism Development, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry (DOF), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), convened a national consultation meeting to strengthen inter-agency cooperation in preventing and combating illegal wildlife trade associated with the tourism sector. The meeting forms part of Lao PDR’s ongoing efforts to enhance the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and promote responsible and sustainable tourism.

The consultation was co-chaired by Ms. Phonmaly Inthaphom, Director General of the Department of Tourism Development, and Associate Professor Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of the Department of Forestry. The meeting brought together representatives from relevant ministries, government agencies, tourism industry associations, private sector stakeholders and conservation partners, including the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

During the meeting, the Department of Forestry, as the CITES Management Authority of Lao PDR, presented an update on the country’s implementation of the Convention, highlighting progress made since Lao PDR became a Party to CITES on 1 March 2004. Participants were briefed on recent measures undertaken to strengthen wildlife law enforcement, improve regulatory compliance, enhance inter-agency coordination and implement the national CITES Compliance Action Plan to address illegal wildlife trade.

The consultation focused on the important role of the tourism sector in preventing wildlife crime and reducing demand for illegally traded wildlife and wildlife products. Participants discussed current and emerging challenges related to illegal wildlife trade within tourism supply chains and identified practical measures to strengthen cooperation between tourism authorities, wildlife management agencies, law enforcement institutions, tourism operators and the private sector.

Key discussions emphasized raising awareness among tourism businesses and visitors, promoting responsible wildlife tourism, strengthening compliance with national wildlife legislation, improving reporting mechanisms for suspected wildlife offences, and encouraging tourism operators to adopt zero-tolerance policies towards illegal wildlife trade.

Participants also agreed to enhance collaboration through information sharing, public awareness campaigns, technical capacity-building and coordinated implementation of future activities aimed at preventing illegal wildlife trade linked to tourism. The meeting recognized that effective cooperation between the conservation and tourism sectors is essential for protecting Lao PDR’s rich biodiversity while supporting sustainable tourism development.

The Department of Forestry emphasized that preventing illegal wildlife trade requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Strong partnerships with the tourism sector are critical to reducing opportunities for wildlife trafficking, promoting legal and ethical tourism practices, and fulfilling Lao PDR’s obligations under CITES.

The consultation concluded with a shared commitment by all participating agencies and stakeholders to strengthen coordinated actions against illegal wildlife trade, promote biodiversity conservation, and advance green and sustainable tourism in Lao PDR. The outcomes of the meeting represent another important step in integrating wildlife conservation into national tourism development and reinforcing Lao PDR’s commitment to regional and international cooperation under CITES.