Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection Participates in Specialized Training on Combating Wildlife Crime and Strengthening Prosecution Capacity

Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR, 1 June 2026 — A specialized training programme on combating, investigating, and prosecuting wildlife crime was officially launched in Luang Prabang Province to strengthen inter-agency capacity in addressing wildlife crime and enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement and criminal justice in Lao PDR.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Ms. Phonthip Savaly, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor’s Office, and brought together representatives from the Supreme People’s Prosecutor’s Office, the Military Prosecutor’s Office, the Department of Customs, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection (DNEI), the National Assembly’s Law and Justice Committee, and other relevant institutions.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection (DNEI), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, was represented by environmental inspection officers from Luang Prabang, Oudomxay and Vientiane Province, alongside prosecutors, police officers and customs officials. In total, 32 participants attended the programme.

The ten-day training aims to strengthen the technical knowledge and practical skills of prosecutors and frontline law enforcement officers responsible for preventing, investigating and prosecuting wildlife crime. It also seeks to promote a common understanding of national legal procedures, reinforce inter-agency cooperation, and ensure that wildlife crime cases are handled transparently, professionally and in full compliance with the laws of Lao PDR and relevant international obligations.

The programme covers seven core modules, including:

• The status and trends of wildlife crime in Lao PDR, the region and globally;
• National legal frameworks governing wildlife crime prevention and prosecution;
• International legal instruments, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES);
• Principles and procedures for wildlife crime investigation;
• Criminal prosecution of wildlife offences;
• Modern investigative techniques, including intelligence collection and analysis, source evaluation, covert operations, criminal network mapping, financial investigation and anti-money laundering approaches, surveillance techniques, search procedures, interviewing methods and intelligence reporting; and
• Preparation and submission of criminal case files for prosecution.

In her opening remarks, the Deputy Prosecutor General encouraged all participants to actively engage in discussions, exchange experiences and learn from national and international experts. She emphasized that strengthening technical capacity and fostering closer collaboration among prosecutors and law enforcement agencies are essential to improving the investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime, ensuring the rule of law, and protecting Lao PDR’s biodiversity.

The training is being conducted from 1–12 June 2026 and is supported by the Institute for Legal Support and Technical Assistance (ILSTA).

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection (DNEI) continues to work closely with the Supreme People’s Prosecutor’s Office and other national enforcement agencies to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance inter-agency coordination, and improve the implementation of national legislation and international commitments relating to wildlife conservation and the fight against transnational wildlife crime.

Source: WCS Laos