Ending poaching has become a priority for every nation

The fight against poaching and the illegal wildlife trade is at a turning point. The United Nations has adopted an historic resolution to stop these crimes.

The United Nations General Assembly has approved for the first time and unanimously a resolution against poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Promoted by Gabon and Germany, the proposal was supported by over 70 countries, including Italy. The resolution was defined as historic and aims to stop the increasing demand – on the black market – of animals that are an “irreplaceable part of the natural systems of the Earth,” which, inevitably, fuel the offer. 

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The United Nations General Assembly has approved for the first time and unanimously a resolution against poaching and illegal wildlife trade

The General Assembly has expressed serious concern on the increase in rhino and elephant killings, respectively for horns and ivory. Despite it’s not legally binding, the decision urges the international community to “take decisive steps to prevent, combat and eradicate the illegal trade in wildlife”. It can be done through strengthening laws, the judicial system, and the cooperation among police forces, including the participation of local communities where pachyderms and other endangered species live.

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African elephant

“The UN resolution marks a new phase in the fight against wildlife crime, which is threatening countless species with extinction while jeopardizing national security and sustainable development,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. “This landmark resolution proves that ending wildlife crime is no longer just an ‘environmental’ issue and not just limited to a few countries: it has become a priority for every nation.”

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A rhino

According to NGOs’ data, China covers 70 per cent of the global ivory demand and it is responsible for the killing of 30,000 African elephants every year. Countries being affected by Chinese negative influences are Kenya and Tanzania, where elephants physically live, and Hong Kong, used as main port by poachers to sort illegal merchandise all over Asia.

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