Supreme Peoples Prosecutor Office and Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Sign Revised Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Environmental Crime Prosecution and CITES Law Enforcement

The Supreme Peoples Prosecutor Office (SPPO) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) organized a signing ceremony for the Revised Memorandum of Understanding on Coordination in the Prosecution of Crimes Related to Natural Resources and the Environment on 18 December in Vientiane Capital. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Xaysana Khodphouthon, Member of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Supreme Peoples Prosecutor Office, and Ms. Linkham Duangsavanh, Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Agriculture and Environment, together with senior officials and representatives from both institutions.

During the ceremony, Mr. Kikeo Singnavong, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment, presented a report summarizing the implementation of the previous Memorandum of Understanding. The cooperation mechanism played an important role in supporting the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases related to forests, wildlife, and aquatic animals, particularly complex cases, large-scale cases, and transnational crimes. The cooperation helped ensure that such cases were handled effectively and in accordance with legal procedures.

The revision of the Memorandum of Understanding reflects the need to respond to emerging challenges and recent legislative developments. The revised agreement is aligned with the Law on the Peoples Prosecutor Office (Revised 2024), the Wildlife Law (2023), and the Aquatic Animals and Fisheries Law (2023). The document has been expanded from eight articles to nine articles, strengthening the framework for cooperation and broadening the scope of coordination to address all forms of crimes related to natural resources and the environment, including organized and transnational crimes.

The revised Memorandum also strengthens cooperation on CITES law enforcement to combat transnational wildlife trafficking, including mechanisms for intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and coordination of border enforcement operations among relevant authorities. In addition, both institutions agreed to enhance cooperation in reviewing and prosecuting major wildlife trafficking cases, including recent ivory trafficking cases, to ensure that offenders are brought to justice in accordance with national laws and international commitments.

The revised Memorandum also introduces additional mechanisms for information exchange, coordination with police authorities, and technical and budget support in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

This agreement aims to strengthen the legal and institutional framework to ensure that law enforcement is coordinated, effective, transparent, and fair. It also contributes to the protection and sustainable management of natural resources and the environment in Lao PDR while supporting national commitments to regional and international cooperation in combating environmental crimes and illegal wildlife trade.

The Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed by Mr. Xaysana Khodphouthon and Ms. Linkham Duangsavanh, with senior representatives from both institutions serving as witnesses.