In a captivating event organized by the U.S. Embassy in India, Eric Garcetti, U.S. Ambassador to India, lauded the Amazon Original series ‘Poacher’ for its poignant portrayal of wildlife crime and its devastating impact on endangered species. The exclusive preview screening, held at the embassy premises, offered a glimpse into the gripping narrative of the series, which unravels the intricate web of the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. Ambassador Garcetti, a staunch advocate for wildlife conservation, addressed the audience with impassioned remarks on the urgent need to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.
“The United States works with law enforcement officers in India on training programs for wildlife crime scene investigations, wildlife seizure, and wildlife cybercrime investigations,” he emphasized. “This joint effort has led to a lot of successes helping the United States and India move forward, together, for the planet.” He further elaborated that the Fish and Wildlife Service was started by United States to conserve endangered species in their natural habitats.
Moreover, in 1977, the organization partnered with Indian counterparts like the Wildlife Institute of India and the Bombay Natural History Society to advance conservation- focused research, management, education, and training. In addition to that, in 1988 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service embarked with the Wildlife Institute of India on a five-year partnership to modernize research techniques. The United States funds competitive grant projects in India through INL Counter Wildlife Trafficking Funding, its Asian Elephant Program, and the Rhino Tiger Conservation Fund.
The series, created and directed by Richie Mehta, promises to spark vital conversations about the consequences of human greed and exploitation of wildlife. With a talented cast including Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya, ‘Poacher’ sheds light on the relentless pursuit of personal gain at the expense of vulnerable species. Responding to The Sunday Guardian, Ambassador Garcetti elaborated on the role of international partnerships in strengthening wildlife protection efforts and leveraging media and entertainment for raising awareness.
“Increasingly globalized world, our collective response to shared challenges needs to be global too,” Ambassador Garcetti asserted when questioned about the significance of international collaborations. “International partnerships like those between the United States and India create a network of law enforcement officers. Working together, we can understand the scale of the problem, share information with each other, and bring complex cross-border investigations to criminal courts.”
Addressing the role of media and entertainment in combating wildlife crime, Ambassador Garcetti emphasized the pivotal role they play in raising awareness and mobilizing action. “The media and films like this play a huge role in raising awareness about the scope and scale of the illegal wildlife trade,” he remarked. “We are proud to be associated with Poacher, a film that tells a story the U.S. government has been deeply involved in – both bilaterally with India and multilaterally through the United Nations.”
Ambassador Garcetti concluded by reaffirming the United States’ commitment to collaborative efforts in safeguarding our planet’s precious biodiversity. The U.S. Embassy looks forward to further engagement with India and global partners in combating wildlife crime and fostering conservation initiatives.