Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal join hands to combat wildlife trade

 Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal have joined hands to conserve wildlife and tackle poaching, reports BSS.
The authorities concerned of the three countries will pursue a coordinated effort to combat wildlife trading and protect biodiversity under the 'Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Wildlife Protection in Asia (SRCWP)' project, funded by the World Bank (WB).
Under the project, the three countries would be sharing information, innovative practices, and demonstrating results to preserve these unique species.
"Because of its rich biodiversity, the South Asia region has become a lucrative target for illegal wildlife trade. The project supports wildlife protection and conservation in participating countries," the WB said in document of the project.
According to WB, South Asia is home to 13-15 per cent of the world's biodiversity including some of the world's most endangered species. Some 65 per cent of the 3,000 or so remaining wild tigers are found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal.
It said the world's tiger population has declined alarmingly, mainly due to poaching and the encroachment of tiger habitats.
The WB said India has also demonstrated its commitment to cooperate in regional wildlife conservation through a bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) relating to wildlife and ecosystems in cooperation with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal and is expected to collaborate to further the project's goals of protecting biodiversity in South Asia.