3rd March 2014 Toronto, Canada
3 March: World Wildlife Day
3 March 2014 is the first World Wildlife Day, proclaimed by the United Nations late last year to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is a multilateral treaty designed to prevent the trade in plants and animals (or animal parts) from endangering their survival, according protection to about 34,000 species.
In February 2014, the UK hosted the London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade. This meeting, attended by 42 countries and 11 international organisations, resulted in the London Declaration to end the illegal trade in rhino horn, tiger parts and elephant tusks. The signatories made bold commitments to fight this criminal industry that corrupts the rule of law and threatens the survival of some of our most iconic species. Foreign Secretary William Hague opened the conference with sobering remarks and a call to action:
It is no exaggeration to say that we are facing an unprecedented crisis: Tens of thousands of elephants were killed last year; over a thousand rhinos lost their lives to poaching and trafficking; and tigers and many other species are under ever greater threat.
But this is not just an environmental crisis. This is now a global criminal industry, ranked alongside drugs, arms and people trafficking.
It drives corruption and insecurity, and undermines efforts to cut poverty and promote sustainable development, particularly in African countries.
There is also anecdotal evidence that shows how insurgent or terrorist groups could benefit from the trade.
Therefore tackling it would build growth, enhance the rule of law, increase stability and embed good governance.
Canada, represented by Minster of Foreign Affairs John Baird, pledged $2 million and teamed up with the Netherlands to support the Kenya Wildlife Service’s anti-poaching activities, and other countries in attendance made similar commitments. There will be a follow-up event in Botswana in 2015, by which time we hope that this repellent trade will be all but stamped out.