Lao PDR Participates in the 21st ASEAN Working Group on CITES and Wildlife Enforcement Meeting

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, June 2026 — A delegation from Lao PDR participated in the 21st Meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Wildlife Enforcement (AWG CITES-WE), hosted by the Government of Brunei Darussalam. The meeting brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, the CITES Secretariat, and regional and international partner organizations to strengthen cooperation in combating illegal wildlife trade and promoting the effective implementation of CITES across the region.

During the meeting, Lao PDR presented the country’s recent progress in strengthening its national response to wildlife crime. Key achievements included the establishment of the National Task Force for the Prevention, Suppression and Combating of Transnational Wildlife Crime under the Prime Minister’s Decision, the enhancement of national coordination mechanisms among law enforcement agencies, intensified enforcement operations targeting illegal wildlife trafficking, and continued investment in capacity building for frontline enforcement officers. The delegation also highlighted Lao PDR’s close collaboration with ASEAN Member States and international partners to improve intelligence sharing, joint operations, and technical cooperation.

Participants reviewed the outcomes of the 79th Meeting of the CITES Standing Committee (SC79) and discussed regional priorities in preparation for the 34th Meeting of the CITES Animals Committee (AC34). The meeting provided an important platform for exchanging experiences, identifying common challenges, and promoting coordinated approaches to the implementation of CITES obligations throughout the ASEAN region.

Recognizing that wildlife crime is a transnational threat requiring collective action, the meeting reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation, timely information exchange, and stronger law enforcement partnerships. Lao PDR reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, the CITES Secretariat, INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Customs Organization (WCO), and other development partners to conserve biodiversity, combat illegal wildlife trade, and contribute to regional and global efforts to protect endangered species.