Despite the long-term recognition of the importance of sustainable use for both conservation and development, however, many multilateral processes undermine or even block sustainable use as a pathway for development and for “a world of living in harmony with nature where by 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used” (GBF vision).
Several high-profile initiatives today focus on tackling illegal or unsafe wildlife trade with more of a focus on stopping the trade rather than supporting reforms to enable legal, safe, and sustainable trade. Here are some current examples, all well intended, but not necessarily aligned with the multilateral mandate for promoting sustainable use:
- EU Action Plan Against Wildlife Trafficking (EU)
Addressing wildlife trafficking requires a comprehensive approach and a range of measures at the intersection of the wildlife trade and wider wildlife conservation policy, all with the aim of allowing only sustainable trade in wildlife to occur. The action plan is structured around four main priorities, set out below.
Priority 1: Preventing wildlife trafficking and addressing its root causes
Priority 2: Strengthening the legal and policy framework against wildlife trafficking
Priority 3: Enforcing regulations and policies to fight wildlife trafficking effectively
Priority 4: Strengthening the global partnership of source, consumer, and transit countries against wildlife trafficking
- Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime (ADM Capital, AWF, Born Free, ICCF)
Serious wildlife crime is organised, transnational, is fuelled by corruption, and has a devastating impact on wildlife, local communities, national economies, security, public health, and entire ecosystems. Of all the known threats to wildlife, the illegal taking, trade and consumption of wildlife is one of the most destructive and destabilising.
Scientific research indicates that COVID-19 was most likely transmitted to humans from its reservoir host, a horseshoe bat, via another intermediate host species, possibly a racoon dog or pangolin. We know that past pandemics have been caused by wildlife-related zoonotic diseases and the conditions that make spillover from animals to humans more likely.
- Global Wildlife Program (GWP) (World Bank)
The Global Wildlife Program (GWP), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the World Bank, is one of the largest global partnerships addressing wildlife poaching, trafficking, and demand.
The GWP addresses issues such as: illegal wildlife trade (IWT), unsustainable wildlife trade, human-wildlife conflict (HWC), and zoonotic spillover risk.
- Guideline Development Group for Traditional Food Markets (WHO)
WHO, UNEP and WOAH produced an interim guidance in 2021 on Reducing public health risks associated with the sale of live wild animals of mammalian species in traditional food markets.
The World Health Assembly 75 approved the decision WHA75(23) that requested WHO to update the interim guidance on reducing public health risks associated with the sale of live wild animals of mammalian species in traditional food markets in order to answer questions on the scope of the guidance, including the species that the guidance covers (mammalian species or mammalian species plus other species) and farmed or wild live animals.
- GUARD Wildlife Project (UNODC, EU)
Funded by the European Union, the GUARD Wildlife Project – Global United Action to Reduce and Dismantle Wildlife Crime – aims to reduce the international trafficking of wildlife and forest products, with a focus on organized criminal networks.
The initiative supports coordinated efforts among law enforcement, judiciary authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners, to disrupt criminal networks and prosecute offenders. It enhances national systems, such as customs, police, and border controls, through specialized training, mentorship, and institutional support in priority countries across the globe. Another key component of the project, implemented by an alliance of four civil society organizations, focuses on reducing demand for illicit wildlife products in consumer markets through targeted behaviour change strategies, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.
- Wildlife Crime Initiative (TRAFFIC, WWF)
The Wildlife Crime Initiative (WCI) was a strategic partnership between TRAFFIC and WWF, set up in 2014 to respond to the global poaching crisis which continues to threaten decades of conservation successes, and the survival of a host of wildlife species.
The WCI worked across all points of the illegal wildlife supply chain–poaching, trafficking, and buying–and advocated for the adoption and implementation of effective international policy measures.
- Wildlife Protection (Humane World for Animals)
Wild animals around the world are poached and even bred for their parts, shot as trophies, farmed for fur, hunted for “fun,” held captive for “entertainment”—or simply killed for existing where humans don’t want them.
We protect wildlife through various impactful initiatives. We advocate for policies that protect wildlife from cruel practices like trophy hunting, wildlife killing contests and trapping for the fur trade, and that protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats. We also work to reduce threats from human activities so wild animals are free to express their natural behaviours in their native habitats… e actively combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade through partnerships with law enforcement and community-based anti-poaching programs.
- World Wildlife Crime Report 2024 (UN Office on Drugs and Crime)
Wildlife trafficking persists worldwide despite two decades of concerted action at international and national levels—more rapid and measurable progress could be achieved if interventions were informed by stronger scientific evidence.
With thousands of wildlife species affected and a diverse range of distinct markets driving multiple environmental and societal harms, interventions to reduce wildlife trafficking need to be prioritized and more strategic.
- Right to a Wild Life (World Animal Protection)
Wild animals are born to be wild – not to be used by people or be exploited for profit. They must be protected, not owned.
We are working tirelessly to raise awareness of the deceptive tactics and activities of organisations that profit from the commercial exploitation of wild animals. Together we can drive down consumer demand and expose the lies of businesses that profit from cruelty.