Questions and Answers-SFOP0009700-5-25-2023.pdf

Questions and Answers for Countering the Trafficking of Protected Marine Species in South Asia

SFOP0009700

Updated: May 25, 2023

Question 1:

We understand from the NOFO that there is already programming underway in Sri Lanka addressing this challenge. We'd like to learn about existing programming.

INL Response:

INL’s Office of Global Programs and Policy currently has two countering wildlife trafficking grant programs which include Sri Lanka:

1. “Sri Lanka CWT Awareness, Capacity & Empowerment (ACE) Program” - The ACE program will facilitate formal and informal interactions between law enforcement, prosecution, judiciary, and civil society, from the detection of wildlife trafficking to seizure of assets and prosecution of wildlife traffickers. The program includes a focus on marine species, working with front line marine law enforcement agencies and developing national and cross-border networks. Please visit www.usaspending.gov for more information.

2. “Countering Wildlife Trafficking in South Asia through the Wildlife Crime Prevention

Framework” - The project provides support to officials in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and will strengthen SAWEN as the primary regional organization working on combating wildlife trafficking. The program provides regional training for law enforcement, customs, prosecutors, and judges from SAWEN countries, including Sri Lanka. Please visit www.usaspending.gov for more information.

Question 2:

Objective 1 will clearly necessitate inclusion of non-focal countries, in order to understand the destinations of target species trade chains. However, please clarify the extent that any non-focal countries be included in other objectives, such the gap analysis of 3a, or interagency collaboration under 3b.

INL Response:

This program aims to deepen the understanding of the impacts and extent of marine wildlife trafficking and to combat the trafficking of marine species within Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and Laccadive Sea surrounding India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives. The activities listed below each objective are a suggestion only and are not mandatory. Applicants are free to suggest alternative activities that support achievement of the stated objective. First and foremost, our http://www.usaspending.gov/ http://www.usaspending.gov/ focus is on understanding the deficiencies and the domestic and multilateral relationships which exist within the specified countries as they relate to marine species trafficking, however if an applicant feels it is important to highlight relevant deficiencies or relationships outside of the focus region, they are free to do so.

Question 3:

The goal refers to CITES-listed species, while the list under Objective 1 includes non-CITES-listed taxa. Can the proposal focus only on CITES-listed species, and potentially a sub-set of those CITES-listed species mentioned?

INL Response:

INL is primarily concerned with commonly targeted marine species, with an emphasis on CITES listed species. However, INL acknowledges that there may be marine species which are highly targeted and are not CITES listed. Applicants are welcome to include non CITES species in their assessment to deepen our understanding of the illicit trade.