IFAW's study: Criminal Nature: The Global Security Implications of the Illegal Wildlife Trade – has revealed how wildlife trafficking generates a staggering $19 billion per year for criminals... and is linked to other organised criminal activity such as terrorism and drug smuggling...

As well as promoting environmental sustainability, tackling the illegal trafficking of rhino and other rare species would provide national and global security benefits, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) suggests... Tania McCrea-Steele, the charity’s Senior Campaigns and Prosecutions Officer in the UK, explains that expanding awareness of the full extent of the problem is crucial... However, thankfully wildlife campaigns are gathering impetus and leaving many campaigners full of optimism... “World leaders are now recognising the serious nature of wildlife crime, including its links to wider organised crime... says Tania... “The US Department of State has launched an initiative addressing the global wildlife poaching crisis, while in the UK His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Majesty’s Government recently hosted an international conference to explore ways to stamp out illegal wildlife trade. “Earlier this year the United Nations Environment Programme stated that the scope and scale of illegal trafficking of wildlife and timber is of an unprecedented magnitude. "Of particular relevance is the increasing involvement of transnational organised criminal networks in the illegal trade of wildlife and timber... “Meanwhile the G8 Governments agreed to ‘take action to tackle the illegal trafficking of protected or endangered wildlife species’...” IFAW’s recent report on links between wildlife crime and global security – including how the ivory trade, for instance, threatens wardens and undermines efforts to tackle gun crime in targeted countries - has achieved excellent media interest says Tania, including an endorsement by the US Department of State for IFAW’s policy recommendations in the report. Also this month President Obama has launched a new wildlife trafficking programme in Africa, as part of efforts to step up deterrents for and detection of wildlife criminals... The White House is one of a number of Governments that are starting to recognise more and more the threat to Africa’s majestic animals - especially elephants and rhinos that face possible extinction due to the illegal trade in ivory that has been soaring in recent years... As well as recognising the links to other organised crime including money laundering, that threatens the security and prosperity of vulnerable populations and dents the impact of development agencies and NGOs... President Obama this month signed off efforts to combat wildlife crime and related organised crime, including assistance for foreign governments... Ten million USD has been promised for training and technical support across Africa, with a concentration of programmes in South Africa where there has been a surge in ivory poaching in the last year... The USA is also developing a Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking... “IFAW is optimistic that the poaching crisis can be tackled as long as the current international political and enforcement momentum continues... explains Tania. “It is essential that high level political will is exerted in order to ensure that enforcers can prevent poaching and arrest and prosecute wildlife criminals, while governments and NGOs work to reduce consumer demand for these unnecessary wildlife products in order to protect elephants, rhinos, tigers and other magnificent wild animals for future generations to enjoy...” IFAW is also fighting wildlife crime by providing training and equipment to frontline enforcers and rangers in Africa and Asia while supporting INTERPOL wildlife law enforcement operations... At the same time the charity seeks to reduce consumer demand for wildlife products via public awareness campaigns in key source, transit and end-user countries... Tania explains that: “In addition IFAW is a pioneer in the campaign to address the threat posed to wildlife by illegal trade over the internet... and advocates for strengthening of policies and legal frameworks to better combat wildlife crime at the national, regional and international levels... “ In the UK IFAW points to a successful track record of supporting wildlife crime initiatives which ultimately is due to the backing of its supporters, who fund the charity through donations and membership... The charity works to ensure wildlife crimes are effectively enforced and campaigns for the long-term funding of the National Wildlife Crime Unit; working with the police and UK Border Force... This is through an involvement with the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) including providing training to law enforcers; and compiling evidence of potential Hunting Act offences which has resulted in “both successful private and public prosecutions...” says Tania... Other partnerships include working with the Metropolitan Police, alongside other animal welfare and conservation groups, on Operation Charm which targets the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products in London. The charity also liaises with Police and Crime Commissioners to ensure their forces have a plan in place to tackle wildlife crime. Tania highlights a recent case study that shows how supporting a charity that is proactive in improving the security efforts to fight wildlife crime can and does make a real difference... “IFAW is working in Africa to improve the enforcement of existing wildlife legislation in order to catch criminals and deter poachers and therefore protect elephants, rhinos and other wildlife from the threat of being killed for their tusks, horns, skin or other products, she says... “In 2012 IFAW supported INTERPOL's Operation Worthy as part of Project WISDOM which enhances law enforcement capacity for the conservation of elephants and rhinoceros... “Operation WORTHY provided training and operational support to enforcers from a range of South African countries. “It resulted in the arrest of more than 200 persons on ivory-related offences, and the seizure of more than 1.2 tons of contraband ivory. “More than 20 kg of rhinoceros horn was also seized, as well as more than 30 illegal firearms – most of which are military assault weapons. “More than 300 officers were deployed in more than a dozen African countries...” IFAW invites the public to support its work by making donations to the charity, and getting behind its programmes including campaigns to raise awareness, and by refusing to buy products made from endangered animals.... “Without the generosity of our supporters we would not be able to carry out our valuable work, explains Tania... The wildlife conservation charity was founded in 1969 and currently supports projects defending animals in crisis in 40 countries worldwide... As well as its work combating wildlife crime through training, education and enforcement, IFAW rescues animals in danger, campaigns against animal cruelty in general and advocates for habitat conservation and wider environmental protections... (Source : Xperedon)