The
illicit trafficking of wildlife not only endangers countless species but also
undermines the stability of ecosystems and jeopardizes the livelihoods of
communities worldwide. Recognising the severity of this issue, ten leading
organisations have joined forces to combat illegal wildlife trafficking through
increasing awareness and vigilance across global supply chains.
Maritime traffic, in particular,
remains vulnerable to the trafficking of illegal goods. With the vast volume of trade
carried by sea, the demand for faster, just-in-time deliveries and the
increasing complexity of intermodal supply chains, criminals increasingly
exploit weaknesses in global maritime supply chains to traffic contraband
items.
Stepping up the fight against illegal
wildlife trafficking, ten international organisations have joined forces in an
initiative led by the World Shipping Council, supported by United Nations
Development Program, the Global Environment Facility, and the Global Wildlife
Program, in collaboration with TRAFFIC and WWF, and co-sponsored by BIC, Global
Shippers Forum, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and TT Club.
Together, they have produced practical guidelines for all supply chain
participants, with advice on measures to take, questions to ask to help
identify criminal wildlife trade, and guidance on reporting suspicious
activities. An accompanying “Red Flags” document serves as a daily reference
for all individuals involved in the supply chain.
Combatting illegal wildlife
trafficking is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration across
international containerized supply chains. All parties involved, especially
consolidators and those receiving goods for packing or carriage, must take
proactive steps to prevent the shipment of illegal wildlife. This includes
verifying the legitimacy of cargoes, properly sealing shipments, conducting
risk assessments, and promptly alerting national authorities to suspicious
activities, as appropriate.
The Joint Industry Guidelines for
Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trafficking are designed to support and further
promote existing International Maritime Organisation (IMO) guidelines by providing specific and actionable
guidance to private sector stakeholders, and the IMO was kept informed through
the development process. The joint industry guidelines have been submitted to
the IMO for additional awareness and action.
Illegal wildlife trafficking is not only
decimating endangered species worldwide but also fuelling organized crime and
threatening global security. The coalition’s joint effort underscores the
shared responsibility of all stakeholders in combatting illegal wildlife
trafficking. By uniting their expertise and resources, these organisations
demonstrate their commitment to protecting wildlife and promoting sustainable
trade practices.