China 2017 - Stemming the Surge in the Illegal Wildlife Trade

TL;DR

The illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar industry driven by transnational criminal groups, which is having devastating effects on wildlife populations and local communities. However, with the use of modern technology, enforcement efforts, and engagement with local communities and the private sector, progress is being made to combat this trade.

Transcript

good afternoon and welcome to all of you I am so pleased to be here and so happy that the forum has decided to raise this very important issue to this level it's great to see so many chairs filled at this hour in the day I know everybody's had a had a long one a few years back a Minnesota dentist as you might recall killed a lion a beloved lion a l... Read More

Key Insights

• ✋ The annual value of the illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be as high as $20 billion, making it one of the most lucrative illicit activities.
• 👥 Transnational organized criminal groups are driving wildlife species to extinction for their own profit, but efforts to combat the trade are making progress.
• 💍 Engaging with local communities and the private sector, strengthening enforcement efforts, and deploying modern technologies are essential in combating the illegal wildlife trade.
• 📱 Technology such as drones, satellite technology, scanning devices, and mobile phone apps are being used to detect and track contraband, identify species in trade, and gather real-time information on wildlife and potential threats.
• ⚾ Success stories of combating the illegal wildlife trade include initiatives in tourism-based conservation efforts and partnership agreements with the transport sector.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is the illegal trade in wildlife impacting local communities and their ability to achieve sustainable development?

The illegal trade is corrupting local officials, arming and recruiting poachers, causing instability, and killing and injuring rangers. It is also depriving local communities of opportunities to develop wildlife resources through tourism and legal and sustainable trade.

Q: What are some examples of the scale of the illegal trade in wildlife?

Over a period of just three years, it is estimated that over a hundred thousand African elephants were slaughtered for their ivory. The poaching of rhinos has also significantly increased, with more than 1300 rhinos slaughtered on the African continent in one year.

Q: How is technology being deployed to combat the illegal wildlife trade?

Technology such as drones, satellite technology, scanning devices for shipping containers, mobile phone apps, and surveillance technology is being used to detect and track contraband, identify species in trade, and gather real-time information on wildlife and potential threats.

Q: How can individuals get involved in combating the illegal wildlife trade?

Individuals can download apps such as Wildlife Witness to anonymously report suspicious wildlife trade activities. Additionally, investing in technologies that are emerging to combat the trade can contribute to efforts in combating the illegal wildlife trade.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The illegal trade in wildlife is estimated to be worth $20 billion per year, ranking it among other illicit activities such as arms trafficking and narcotics.

• Criminal groups are targeting high-value wildlife due to the demand for certain wildlife products, but efforts such as stronger laws, better enforcement, and targeted demand reduction strategies can help combat this.

• Technology, such as drones, satellite technology, surveillance technology, and mobile phone apps, is being deployed to assist in detecting and combating the illegal trade in wildlife.