GIZ and WWF Lead the Charge in Wildlife Conservation and Combating Illegal Trade

On 21 January 2025, GIZ Thailand, in partnership with WWF Thailand and key players in the travel and tourism sector, hosted a workshop and exhibition launch at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC). This impactful event tackled the urgent need to combat illegal wildlife trade, promote sustainable tourism, and safeguard biodiversity.

This initiative, spearheaded by WWF with support from GIZ, demonstrated the power of global collaboration in addressing one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time. Supported by funding from the German Federal Government, the project spans Africa and Asia, uniting governments, NGOs, and communities to protect biodiversity and advocate for responsible tourism.
This event featured highlights, including:
- Panel Discussions: Tourism and law enforcement experts shared success stories and strategies to combat wildlife crime, focusing on the illegal trade of ivory, tiger parts, and exotic pets.
- Interactive Workshops: Engaging sessions encouraged participants to develop actionable ideas for sustaining and enhancing conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Conservation Exhibition: Showcasing tigers and elephants, the exhibition raised public awareness about the devastating impacts of wildlife trade. This exhibition runs from 21 January to 2 February 2025.




GIZ’s Role and Commitment
As part of the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime in Africa and Asia project, funded by the German Federal Government, GIZ has been instrumental in driving this initiative by: 1) Funding and providing strategic guidance to ensure impactful execution 2) Supporting education on sustainable travel and the dangers of wildlife crime 3) Strengthening collaboration between governments, NGOs, and private organisations 4) Enhancing enforcement mechanisms to disrupt illegal trade routes

“We are proud of our collaboration with WWF here, in Bangkok, a global hub for tourism. Through the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime in Africa and Asia project, supported by the German Government, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting illegal wildlife trade and protecting biodiversity. This collaboration underscores the importance of responsible tourism in preserving our region’s unique natural heritage, empowering communities, and securing a future where wildlife thrives alongside sustainable travel” said Thawatchai Palakhamarn, GIZ Thailand representative.
This partnership is a testament to GIZ’s mission to advance sustainable development through cross-sector collaboration, leveraging tourism as a vital force to protect our planet’s unique ecosystems.
Markus Koeppler (GIZ Germany)
Email:markus.koeppler(at)giz.de
Thawatchai Palakhamarn (GIZ Thailand)
Email:thawatchai.palakhamarn(at)giz.de
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