9 March 2015

UN proclaims World Wildlife Day, cooperation vital to combating wildlife crime

Illegal wildlife trade undermines rule of law, degrades ecosystems and severely hampers the efforts of rural communities striving to sustainably manage their natural resources, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said as the UN marked World Wildlife Day on 3 March 2015. “Getting serious about wildlife crime means enrolling the support of all sections of society involved in the production and consumption of wildlife products, which are widely used as medicines, food, building materials, furniture, cosmetics, clothing and accessories,” the Secretary-General said. “The situation is serious,” he declared, urging the international community to tackle the poaching, transport and consumption of illegally traded wildlife and in so doing use the same sorts of enforcement tools, techniques and penalties used to combat other serious crimes, such as trafficking in drugs or persons. (more…)

Source: UN News Centre | Cooperation vital to combating wildlife crime, says UN Assembly President
Source: UN News Centre | ‘It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime’ UN proclaims on World Wildlife Day