Royal Family Call for Wildlife Crime Action

03^rd June 2013 UNDER Blog, WWF

WWF UK President Prince Charles and his eldest son William, are at the forefront for calls to bring stronger action against those who commit wildlife crime. Both are huge animal lovers, and they recently hosted an international conference on 21st May 2013 alongside the government to bring together other countries from across the globe to try and bring an end to the trade of animals and their parts.

The meeting, held at St. James’ Palace, was hosted by the father and son duo to offer high profile support to the work WWF have been carrying out across the globe to try and end this illegal trade. Here they met with representatives from 26 countries, alongside environment secretary Owen Paterson, to call for a global partnership to help –

Reduce demand for wildlife products
Raise the sentencing those involved
Help small communities to find alternatives to the illegal trade

The actual scale of wildlife crime is the major factor in why something must be done now, before it’s too late. For example, 90% of the wild tigers in Asia have now been killed for their skin, and unless action replaces words, some of the world’s most amazing animals will be gone forever.

With demand for animal parts growing in the East, Prince William and his father want the illegal trade in animal parts to be recognised as a serious international crime, in the same way as drug and arms dealing is. In many circumstances, it is the same gangs of criminals who are involved in all facets of smuggling, and the sentences should match the crimes.

Illegal wildlife trade needs to be dealt with in the same way that gun and drug smuggling are, to try and deter the people that make a living from this barbaric business.

Here’s hoping that the work of of Prince’s Charles and William go some way to building world partnerships that will see an end to this vile business, before it’s too late.

If you would like to help WWF to protect some of the world’s most endangered species, why not check out our charity page to find out how you can adopt an animal.