IISD Reporting Services (IISD RS) @ UNEPGC-24/GMEF, Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking, 10 February 2007

Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking Meeting

10 February 2007 | Nairobi, Kenya

IISD RS Linkages Home

CAWT Meeting Highlights

The Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT), an interagency and international initiative to address the multi-billion dollar illegal wildlife trade met in Nairobi, Kenya on 10 February 2007. This meeting was held just after the conclusion of the 24th Session of the UNEP Governing Council /Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC-24/GMEF). During the meeting, a proposed operational framework: 2007-2009 was launched.

The initial focus of CAWT has been on reducing trade in Asia and reducing demand for wildlife products. NGO partners for CAWT include BCTF members WWF/TRAFFIC, Wildlife Conservation Society, and Conservation International, as well as WildAid, Smithsonian Institution, and Save the Tiger Fund.

Participants during the opening session

L-R: UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner; and Claudia McMurray, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. Steiner commended coalition partners for establishing CAWT to fight wildlife trafficking while McMurray called for better consumer education and tougher policing to combat a multi-billion dollar global black market in wildlife.



A. Raja, Minister of Environment, India, announced that India is in the process of setting up a multi-disciplinary flora and fauna body to curb trafficking in wildlife.	George Atkin, High Commissioner to Kenya, Australia, said that Australia intend to work with the coalition partners and her neighbours to fight wildlife trafficking.	Hillary Thompson, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), UK, said that UK will continue to work with EU colleagues to protect wildlife.



Holly Dublin, World Conservation Union (IUCN), called on the partners to be conscious of the reality and complexity of trade in wildlife and wildlife products.	Laurie Marker, Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), expressed fear at the rate of increase in wildlife trade and called for increased understanding of and appreciation of cheetahs.	Frederick M. O'Regan, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), proposed high level impact and capacity building to curb wildlife trafficking.

L:R Kimo Goree, International Institute for Sustainable Development - Reporting Services (IISD-RS); and Holly Dublin, IUCN.

UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner (right), confer with delegates during a break.



Steven Broad, Traffic International, warned of risk of political complacency and urged CAWT to facilitate dialogue and awareness against illegal wildlife trade.	Antonio Rezende de Castro, Ambassador to Kenya, Brazil, said that Brazil is engaged in combating international traffic on endangered species.	Elvis Ngolle Ngolle, Minister of Forests and Wildlife, Cameroon, announced that Cameroon has established a network of protected areas to protect wildlife species.

Participants during the morning break.

L-R: Claudia McMurray, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Elvis Ngolle Ngolle, Minister of Forests and Wildlife, Cameroon; and Mahamat Amine, Cameroon.

Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT) website.

Participants during a break.

Participants continue with discussions during a break



Rodrigo Gaete, Ambassador to Kenya, Chile, called partners to broaden their capacity and obligations in the coalition.	Willem Wijnstekers, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), said that the coalition should avoid duplication of its role with that of CITES.	Bert Lenten, Convention on Migratory Species/AEWA, asked those who have not signed up to the coalition to consider doing so.

Participants discuss intently during a break.

L:R. Gerardo Guiza, Embassy of Mexico in Kenya; Stefan verbunt, CITES Management authority, The Netherlands; Donald Hannah, Environmental Management Authority, New Zealand; Steven Broad, Traffic International; and Hillary Thompson, DEFRA, UK.



Kimo Goree, IISD-RS, said that IISD Reporting Services would support CAWT through its existing information dissemination network.	Gerardo Guiza, Embassy of Mexico in Kenya, called for better information management to enact legislations.	Stefan verbunt, CITES Management authority, The Netherlands, supported enhanced deliberations to discuss challenges of illegal wildlife trade.

Donald Hannah, Environmental Management Authority, New Zealand, announced that New Zealand has set up cross party multi-disciplinary agency to protect wildlife against illegal trade.

Taye Teferi, Wolrd Wide Fund (WWF), East Africa, emphasized the work of partners in improving the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

Newly designed Coalition logo on display.

	up to top


	Relevant Links

	24th Session of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC-24/GMEF) U.S. State Department - Announcing the Formation of the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking Fifty-fourth meeting of the Standing Committee - 2-6 October 2006, Geneva, Switzerland 16th meeting of the Plants Committee and 22nd meeting of the Animals Committee - 3-13 July 2006, Lima, Peru 21st meeting of the Animals Committee and 15th Meeting of the Plants Committee - 17-25 May 2005, Geneva, Switzerland CITES COP-13 - 2-14 October 2004, Bangkok, Thailand 20th meeting of the Animals Committee - 29 March - 2 April 2004; Johannesburg, South Africa Linkages Update MEA-L

	up to top

	Any irregularities on this page? Please mail the Digital Editor \| Back to IISD RS African Regional Coverage home page \| Back to IISD RS "Linkages" home \| Visit IISDnet \| Send e-mail to ENB \| © 2007, IISD. All rights reserved.