At the recent conference organized by United for Wildlife in Singapore, the UK’s commitment to tackling the illegal wildlife trade (IWT) was reaffirmed by the Secretary of State for Environment. Addressing a global audience, the Secretary emphasized the UK’s ongoing efforts in conserving endangered species and combating wildlife crime.
The Secretary, a former Environment Minister and now head of the environment department, outlined the UK government’s stance on the illegal wildlife trade, highlighting its grave impact on biodiversity and communities. He noted that the illegal trade, estimated at £23 billion annually, not only threatens species but also brings violence and corruption to vulnerable regions.
Drawing attention to the UK’s proactive measures, he mentioned the significant funding of over £51 million to 157 projects through the UK’s IWT Challenge Fund. These projects, spread across 60 countries, focus on protecting species like pangolins, jaguars, and orchids. Recent achievements include 288 arrests, 482 prosecutions, and 141 successful convictions, along with the seizure of millions of pounds worth of illegal wildlife products.
The UK’s commitment extends to supporting sustainable community projects in diverse regions from the Lower Mekong to the Amazon. The establishment of the £100m Biodiverse Landscapes Fund and backing the Global Environment Facility’s ‘Global Wildlife Programme’ were highlighted as key initiatives.
The Secretary stressed the importance of international collaboration, particularly in enhancing law enforcement capacity to effectively combat wildlife crime. He emphasized the need for a collective approach to target high-level criminals and dismantle major transnational syndicates.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by weak governance and massive illegal markets, the UK is dedicated to strengthening intelligence sharing, bolstering enforcement, and supporting sustainable livelihoods in affected communities. The UK also reaffirms its commitment to CITES and other international agreements and tools.
The conference, packed with sessions led by frontline conservationists, was praised by the Secretary for its role in facilitating communication and coordination among various stakeholders. The UK’s confirmation to sign the new Statement of Principles was announced as a step towards enhancing international cooperation.
In conclusion, the Secretary expressed optimism about the collective efforts to stay ahead of criminals, achieve more seizures and arrests, and disrupt financial networks supporting wildlife crime. The event was seen as a vital platform for scoping out future strategies to help nature recover and communities thrive.
The Secretary, a former Environment Minister and now head of the environment department, outlined the UK government’s stance on the illegal wildlife trade, highlighting its grave impact on biodiversity and communities. He noted that the illegal trade, estimated at £23 billion annually, not only threatens species but also brings violence and corruption to vulnerable regions.
Drawing attention to the UK’s proactive measures, he mentioned the significant funding of over £51 million to 157 projects through the UK’s IWT Challenge Fund. These projects, spread across 60 countries, focus on protecting species like pangolins, jaguars, and orchids. Recent achievements include 288 arrests, 482 prosecutions, and 141 successful convictions, along with the seizure of millions of pounds worth of illegal wildlife products.
The UK’s commitment extends to supporting sustainable community projects in diverse regions from the Lower Mekong to the Amazon. The establishment of the £100m Biodiverse Landscapes Fund and backing the Global Environment Facility’s ‘Global Wildlife Programme’ were highlighted as key initiatives.
The Secretary stressed the importance of international collaboration, particularly in enhancing law enforcement capacity to effectively combat wildlife crime. He emphasized the need for a collective approach to target high-level criminals and dismantle major transnational syndicates.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by weak governance and massive illegal markets, the UK is dedicated to strengthening intelligence sharing, bolstering enforcement, and supporting sustainable livelihoods in affected communities. The UK also reaffirms its commitment to CITES and other international agreements and tools.
The conference, packed with sessions led by frontline conservationists, was praised by the Secretary for its role in facilitating communication and coordination among various stakeholders. The UK’s confirmation to sign the new Statement of Principles was announced as a step towards enhancing international cooperation.
In conclusion, the Secretary expressed optimism about the collective efforts to stay ahead of criminals, achieve more seizures and arrests, and disrupt financial networks supporting wildlife crime. The event was seen as a vital platform for scoping out future strategies to help nature recover and communities thrive.
