USAID and cross sectoral experts design demand reduction campaign for illegal wild meat in Thailand

Consumption of wild meat not only increases species loss, but also poses risks for zoonotic diseases. On October 6, 2022, USAID Reducing Demand for Wildlife, in partnership with WildAid and Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, organized a workshop in Bangkok to design a Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) campaign to reduce demand for wild meat and prevent zoonotic diseases. Participants included 30 representatives from the human and animal health, tourism, academic, and conservation sectors.  Using the SBCC approach, participants, in four working groups, discussed target audiences, drivers and barriers to consumption, and key messages.  The group outputs will be used to develop a two-year SBCC strategic plan to reduce wild meat demand in Thailand that may be applicable to other countries in the region. Participation by many sectors in campaign design generates important buy-in that enhances implementation effectiveness and sustains campaigns to reduce consumer demand for wildlife products, prevent zoonotic diseases and protect endangered animals.