Opinion Pieces

Raising Public Awareness to Fight the Illegal Trade in Wildlife
By U.S. Ambassador Cesar B. Cabrera

June 6, 2008

Wildlife trafficking may be unfamiliar to many of us.  We all may contribute to the illegal wildlife trade simply by unknowingly purchasing goods that are a result of illegal trade.  Tourist souvenirs made from illegally harvested ivory, tortoise shells, feathers, fur, bones or skins of endangered species are marketed openly.  The sale of these products puts many species at risk of extinction and encourages criminal activity.

In recent years, illegal trafficking has grown and now contributes significantly to the loss of our most precious wildlife.  Most of the 95% decline in the tiger population since the turn of the 20th century has occurred in the past 25 years, and poachers and traffickers have contributed to this decline. Wildlife trafficking is closely linked to organized crime. Estimates of this illegal trade range anywhere from $10-$20 billion annually.  In addition to causing loss of wildlife, wildlife trafficking contributes to global health problems.  Diseases such as avian influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Ebola virus and tuberculosis can cross species lines and jump from animals to humans.

The United States, in cooperation with several other governments and organizations, created the Coalition against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT).  Through CAWT, we seek to end wildlife trafficking by curbing both the buying and selling of illegal wildlife and wildlife products.  To enhance anti-trafficking law enforcement, CAWT assisted the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) in establishing a new regional wildlife enforcement network – ASEAN-WEN.  In its short existence, ASEAN-WEN has already succeeded in rescuing and returning live animals to their native countries and has disrupted networks of wildlife trafficking.

We have also enlisted the help of actor Harrison Ford, who donated his time to filming three public service announcements urging consumers to stop buying illegal wildlife and wildlife products. These ads will be aired worldwide to increase awareness of the severity of wildlife trafficking.

We all must work together to stop the illegal wildlife trade.  We can all do more to help save wildlife from extinction.