July 15, 2014
In recognition of its exemplary efforts to combat wildlife crime, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has presented Nepal with a certificate of praise.
In 2011, no rhinoceroses, tigers, or elephants were illegally killed in Nepal, and in 2012 the country lost just one rhinoceros to poaching. On the first UN World Wildlife Day, 3 March 2014, Nepal for the second time celebrated 365 days with zero poaching.
Among the 180 countries that are party to CITES, Nepal was the only country to be honored with this specific award, said Dr Maheshwar Dhakal, ecologist at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Protection.
CITES Secretary-General John R Scanlon presented the award during the recent CITES conference held in Geneva, Switzerland.
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