This division seeks to ensure that national and regional policies do not adversely impact wildlife conservation in India but form the basis for a holistic, long term survival strategy for wildlife in the country. To ensure that decisions made at International fora are pro-wildlife conservation and are in consonance with our national policy.

Its main objectives are:

• To sensitize members of the judiciary on wildlife conservation and also to create a cadre of green lawyers for effective implementation of our wildlife policies.

• To sensitize key departments of the administration on wildlife conservation, especially in biodiversity rich regions.

• To create a National Think Tank for wildlife conservation in India .

• To influence decision making groups at national and international level by internal and external lobbying.

• To ensure Green Governance in India by influencing legislature.

• To publish material and reports as need be to influence law and policy.

• To document and help the Central Government prepare proposals, resolutions and amendments etc. to be presented at the International treaties.

• To disseminate information to the Government, NGOs etc. at international forums such as CITES, IWC etc.

• To provide technical support to secretariats of such forums as and when required.

Lack of interest in wildlife among the judiciary is reflected in low levels of conviction rates for wildlife crime in India . It is felt that sound knowledge of wildlife and environmental laws will assist the members of the Bar in taking the issues to the court and succeeding. At the same time an insight to wildlife issues will also aid the bench by giving the matter the gravity it deserves. Thus, it is important to sensitize both fraternities of the judiciary towards achieving a holistic approach for wildlife conservation in the country. Direct meetings and interactive sessions will be conducted with the members of the Bar and the Bench in order to achieve this aim. Efforts will also be made to put wildlife conservation as a part of the curriculum during the training process of the lawyers.

The main function of the National Think Tank will be to monitor the national wildlife scenario and strategize on the formulation of wildlife policies which will guide the respective authorities as and when required.

Policy decisions made at both national and international levels which are likely to influence wildlife survival in India will be identified and lobbied internally and externally in order to monitor and influence these decisions to avoid adverse impact on wildlife survival.

If you need more information about this programme, please write to us at - info@wti.org.in