MNRE to organise long-term plan for animal protection

BANGKOK, Dec 24 (TNA) -- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) is set to initiate a 20-year plan to substantially protect wild animals, especially the tigers, elephants, and Asian water monitors. MNRE Minister Surasak Karnjanarat presided over the opening ceremony of the National Animal Protection Day 2016 at Dusit Zoo, organised by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, as every December 26 is the National Animal Protection Day. The event this year is organised under the theme of 'Under His Majesty's Rein', in remembrance of His late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as well as aimed to raise awareness among the public on the importance that animals are entitled to safe and protected well being. The minister said the ministry has foreseen the importance of wild animals and has decided to initiate a 20-year plan for animal protection, in order to maintain continuous animal protection. The ministry is in the process of drafting out the details of the plan, which would entail the breeding of tigers to increase their number to 80, as there are only 40 tigers left in the wild in Thailand. The minister further noted that Thailand is among the 13 world countries which bred tigers. The plan would also include the solving of stray elephants, and the high number of Asian water monitors as well. MNRE is expecting to see a sustainable balance in nature by 2036, stressing the ministry has seen the number of rare species dwindled, and illegal poaching and related activities continuing. Gen Surasak said this required extensive talks to create understanding among the public. Meanwhile, activities at the event include an interactive exhibition, an exhibition in honour of King Bhumibol, a photo gallery of wild animals, and a seminar on the wild animal photography. (TNA)