WCS Applauds Unprecedented and Historic National Strategy to Address Wildlife Trafficking
In a major victory against wildlife trafficking, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has enthusiastically applauded the Obama Administration. This is about the release of a new National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking. This comprehensive plan, unveiled during a period of escalating poaching that threatens the very survival of elephants, rhinos, tigers, and many other iconic species. So this clearly represents the most ambitious U.S. effort to date to address this global crisis.
A Bold Response to a Growing Crisis
The new strategy comes at a critical moment for wildlife. Poaching has reached unprecedented levels. That’s with an estimated 96 elephants killed each day alone in Africa. Furthermore, rhino poaching in South Africa has skyrocketed from just 13 animals killed in 2007 to over 1,000 in 2013. This is a staggering 7,700% increase.
Wildlife trafficking has transformed from a conservation issue into a global security threat. Especially with organized criminal networks and even terrorist groups now heavily involved. All in the illegal wildlife trade.
“This strategy represents a watershed moment in the fight against wildlife trafficking,” said John Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “For the first time, the United States is bringing the full weight of the government to bear on this crisis. Moreover, this approach recognizes that wildlife trafficking isn’t just an environmental issue. So it’s most definitely a matter of global security, economic prosperity, and even public health.”
A Three-Pronged Approach to Tackling Wildlife Crime
The National Strategy establishes a comprehensive framework built around three strategic priorities:
Strengthening Enforcement: The plan calls for improved coordination between U.S. agencies and international partners to enhance wildlife crime detection, interdiction, and prosecution. Additionally, it supports specialized training for law enforcement officials both domestically and internationally.
Reducing Demand: Recognizing that wildlife trafficking is fundamentally driven by consumer demand, the strategy emphasizes public awareness campaigns aimed at changing consumer behavior. It also supports initiatives to encourage companies to adopt voluntary standards to reduce wildlife trafficking.
Building International Cooperation: The strategy commits to expanding diplomatic outreach to secure new international agreements, strengthen existing ones, and integrate wildlife trafficking into other diplomatic initiatives, including trade negotiations.
“What’s particularly encouraging about this strategy is its holistic approach,” noted Calvelli. “It addresses every link in the illegal wildlife trade chain – from the poachers on the ground to the criminal networks that transport wildlife products to the consumers who ultimately drive demand.”
A United Effort Across the U.S. Government
The strategy calls for unprecedented coordination across the entire federal government. While traditionally wildlife trafficking has been primarily addressed by the Department of the Interior and the State Department, the new approach engages the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the intelligence community.
This whole-of-government approach recognizes the sophisticated nature of today’s wildlife trafficking networks, which often use the same smuggling routes and techniques as drug and weapons traffickers. Consequently, the strategy treats wildlife crime as a serious transnational organized crime requiring high-level intelligence and enforcement resources.
Concrete Actions to Save Endangered Wildlife
Beyond the strategic framework, the administration has also announced specific actions to combat wildlife trafficking, including:
A proposal for a near-complete ban on commercial trade of elephant ivory in the United States
New funding for anti-poaching efforts in Africa
Technical assistance to help countries develop and enforce wildlife trafficking laws
Support for development of innovative technologies to identify poached wildlife products
“The proposed ban on commercial trade of elephant ivory is particularly significant,” emphasized Calvelli. “The United States remains one of the world’s largest markets for ivory products, and this ban sends a powerful message that the U.S. is serious about ending this brutal trade.”
Building on a Growing Movement
The National Strategy builds on growing momentum in both the public and private sectors to combat wildlife trafficking. In July 2013, President Obama issued an Executive Order establishing a Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking, which developed the strategy released today.
Additionally, many conservation organizations, including WCS, have been working tirelessly to raise awareness and mobilize action through initiatives like the 96 Elephants campaign, which has engaged hundreds of thousands of Americans in efforts to stop the killing, stop the trafficking, and stop the demand.
“This strategy represents a tremendous step forward, but it’s just the beginning,” Calvelli concluded. “The true test will be in the implementation, and we are committed to working with the administration and Congress to ensure this plan is fully funded and effectively executed. The future of elephants, rhinos, and countless other species depends on our collective action.”
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