Lao Government Approves National Wildlife Crime Hotline and Reporting System to Strengthen CITES Enforcement

Vientiane, 17 March 2026 — The Government of Lao PDR has officially approved the establishment of a national wildlife crime reporting mechanism under the CITES Management Authority (CITES MA), marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and strengthen compliance with international obligations.

Under this new directive, the CITES MA, housed within the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, is authorized to operate a dedicated hotline and email platform to receive information from the public, enforcement agencies, and stakeholders on wildlife crime and CITES-related violations.

The newly launched reporting system includes a national hotline (1528) and an official email channel (cites.ma.laos@gmail.com), providing a centralized, accessible, and confidential mechanism for reporting illegal activities such as wildlife trafficking, possession of protected species, illegal imports and exports, and trade in CITES-listed species without proper permits.

This initiative is designed to enhance early detection, improve intelligence gathering, and facilitate rapid response and coordination among relevant agencies, including the Department of Forest Inspection (DOFI), the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Inspection (DNEI), Customs authorities, and law enforcement bodies.

According to the CITES Management Authority, all reports submitted through the hotline and email will be handled with strict confidentiality and processed through established inter-agency coordination mechanisms to ensure timely investigation and enforcement action.

The establishment of this system aligns with Lao PDR’s commitments under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as the implementation of the national CITES Compliance Action Plan (CAP). It also supports the Government’s broader strategy to combat transnational wildlife crime, following the recent establishment of the National Taskforce under Prime Minister Decision No. 11/PM.

Officials emphasized that public participation is critical in addressing wildlife crime, which often operates through complex and organized networks. By enabling citizens, communities, and private sector actors to report suspicious activities easily and securely, the Government aims to create a nationwide surveillance and response system.

This hotline is not just a reporting tool—it is a national commitment to protect our biodiversity, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen international cooperation, a senior official from the Department of Forestry stated.

The Government encourages all individuals and organizations to actively use the hotline and email system to report any suspected wildlife crime. This collective effort is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding Lao PDR’s rich natural heritage and ensuring sustainable management of wildlife resources for future generations.

Together, Lao PDR takes a decisive step forward in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.