SAWEN shared study findings on Information Sharing Mechanisms

SAWEN shared preliminary study findings on information sharing mechanisms in different tiers of institutions in Nepal during a programme organized by SAWEN in collboration with wildlife crime control bureau (WCCB) Centre from 04 to 05 March 2023 at Sauraha, Chitwan, Nepal. The main objective of the sharing was to float the existing practices of information and intelligence sharing mechanisms in combating wildlife crime as well as receive the feedback on the study.

Mr. Ajay Karki, SAWEN Focal Person and DDG of DNPWC, shared the effectiveness of communication and collaboration practices to prevent wildlife crime at local, national and trans-boundary levels. Mr. Karki discussed the process of intelligence sharing by providing examples of current practices in controlling criminal activities among the relevant authorities.

The study specifically observed that the WCD-MIS, as a centralized database, has not been fully operationalized, limited or insufficient documentation for crime analysis, intelligence generation and further actions. Inadequate resources and weak linkages with the national database system were identified as some of the challenges in controlling wildlife crimes.

Participants provided their feedback to improve coordination in information sharing among various stakeholders i.e. law enforcement authorities (LEAs), local informants, Community-Based Anti-Poaching Units (CBAPUs), and community-based institutions. Information flow at national levels and also through intergovernmental organizations like SAWEN was emphasized as a platform.

The programme was organized in collaboration with ZSL Nepal, WWF Nepal and National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).