Law and Policy Activities and Impacts - At A Glance

Uneven laws and policies have created loopholes that wildlife traffickers have exploited, profiting from a $20 billion annual industry with minimal penalty. USAID Wildlife Asia helps strengthen laws to protect wildlife, create stiffer penalties for offences, and make it easier to bring criminals to justice. Working with ASEAN, the program also supports harmonizing laws and policies across the region – enabling countries to develop a united front against illegal wildlife trafficking. Strong laws and policies create the foundation that reduce demand for wildlife products and enable effective deterrence and law enforcement.