The three-day Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on April 12, 2016. This is the third such conference on tiger conservation.The Environment Ministry held a meeting as a prelude to the 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference (3 AMC) on Tiger Conservation, here yesterday. The meeting was attended by the representatives of four Tiger Range countries (TRCs) - Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Russia, besides senior officers of the Ministry, including Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Joint Secretary, East, Ministry of External Affairs. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar.The meeting held as a prelude to 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Javadekar said that there are only 13 countries that have the pride of having tigers in the wild and tiger-bearing areas in the world. The Minister also said that organising the 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference is a proud moment for India, where all TRCs can share their good practices and success stories, thereby contributing towards the cause of conservation of the magnificent species and the national animal of India - Tiger. Welcoming the delegates, Secretary, MOEFCC, Shri Ashok Lavasa, highlighted the importance of the 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation and the value attached to it. India’s commitment to save its tiger, wildlife and concern for forests was also narrated.A presentation on the background of earlier Asia Ministerial Conference and a presentation of 3 AMC was made by Additional Director General, Project Tiger (ADG-PT) & Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Shri B.S. Bonal, besides bringing out the contribution made by Project Tiger/National Tiger Conservation Authority and achievements of India in the field of tiger conservation.
It was highlighted that the biggest threat to tiger conservation is poaching, due to the existing market and demand for tiger body parts and derivatives in other countries. Thus, there is a need for a sustained effort from all Tiger Range Countries and other partners outside the government system.This conference will bring the desired will and momentum for tiger conservation at global level and have long-term ramifications in the future. Thanking the delegates and representatives of countries present, the Chairman, NTCA, Shri Javadekar, emphasized the need for all TRCs to attend this important conference, the significance of which lies in it being inaugurated by the Prime Minister.