International wildlife conservation organizations play a crucial role in safeguarding the planet’s biodiversity and preserving fragile ecosystems. Among these, three prominent organizations stand out for their dedicated efforts in combating wildlife trafficking, conserving endangered species, and advocating for sustainable practices worldwide. MIKE (Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants), TRAFFIC (the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network), and CAWT (Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards) exemplify a collective commitment to addressing pressing conservation challenges on an international scale. Through collaborative research, advocacy, and on-the-ground initiatives, these organizations strive to protect wildlife populations, combat illegal trade, and promote the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife.
WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING
- The term “wildlife trafficking or smuggling” pertains to the illegal acquisition, transportation, and distribution of animals and their derivatives, occurring both within a country and across borders.
- According to estimates by the U.S. State Department, the annual cost of wildlife trafficking is believed to range from $7.8 billion to $10 billion.
- Due to the illicit nature of these operations, accurately assessing the financial magnitude becomes exceptionally challenging.
- Wildlife trafficking, considered a substantial criminal trade, aligns with other illegal activities such as drug trade, human trafficking, and counterfeit goods, in addition to illegal fishing and forestry.
- The commodities sought after in this illicit trade include exotic pets, food items, traditional medicines, apparel, and jewelry crafted from various animal parts such as tusks, fins, skin, shell, horn, or internal organs.
- The global demand for illegally trafficked wildlife is on the rise, with the United States, China, and the European Union reportedly having the highest levels of demand.
- This underground market poses significant challenges for authorities, conservation efforts, and the well-being of affected species.
MONITORING THE ILLEGAL KILLING OF ELEPHANTS (MIKE)
- The MIKE Programme originated from a CITES Resolution adopted during the 10th Conference of the Parties (CoP10) in 1997.
- As an international initiative, MIKE focuses on assessing the levels, trends, and causes of elephant mortality, aiming to provide valuable information for the conservation of elephants in both Asia and Africa.
KEY FEATURE OF MIKE:
- International Collaboration: MIKE operates as a collaborative effort on a global scale, engaging various stakeholders in measuring and understanding the dynamics of elephant mortality.
- Decision Support: The information gathered by MIKE serves as a crucial foundation for international decision-making concerning the conservation of elephants. It contributes to discussions and decision processes at annual CITES meetings and CoPs.
- Capacity Building: MIKE is tasked with a fundamental mandate to enhance the capacity of elephant range States. This involves providing support and resources to countries with elephant populations to strengthen their ability to address and combat illegal killing.
PARTICIPATION AND DISTRIBUTION:
- Number of Sites: Currently, there are 28 sites actively participating in the MIKE programme in Asia.
- Countries Involved: These sites are distributed across 13 countries, emphasizing a broad geographical reach for comprehensive data collection and analysis.
India leads with 10 participating sites.
Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand each have two sites.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Viet Nam have one site each.
MIKE’s strategic presence in these regions underscores its commitment to monitoring and addressing the illegal killing of elephants, contributing significantly to global elephant conservation efforts.
TRAFFIC – TRADE RELATED ANALYSIS OF FLORA AND FAUNA IN COMMERCE
TRAFFIC – Navigating Wildlife Trade
TRAFFIC, distinct from CITES which operates as a multilateral treaty, is a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to addressing global challenges related to the trade in wild animals and plants. It operates within the broader framework of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Key Points about TRAFFIC:
- NGO Nature: TRAFFIC is a non-governmental organization, emphasizing its non-state, voluntary, and non-profit character.
- Global Scope: It functions globally, undertaking initiatives and actions that transcend national boundaries in the effort to address wildlife trade issues comprehensively.
- Partnership Structure: TRAFFIC is a joint program facilitated by the collaborative efforts of two prominent organizations – the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- Established in 1976, TRAFFIC has a rich history of engagement with wildlife trade issues, contributing to the global discourse on conservation.
- The headquarters of TRAFFIC is situated in Cambridge, United Kingdom, serving as a central hub for its organizational activities.
- Mission Focus: The primary mission of TRAFFIC is to safeguard nature’s conservation by ensuring that the trade in wild plants and animals does not pose a threat to the delicate balance of ecosystems.
- Analytical Role: TRAFFIC engages in in-depth investigations and analyses of wildlife trade trends, patterns, impacts, and the driving forces behind such trade. This analytical approach positions TRAFFIC as a leading source of knowledge on global wildlife trade dynamics.
- Complementary Role to CITES: While CITES operates as a binding international treaty, TRAFFIC complements these efforts by providing valuable insights, research, and initiatives to further the goals of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the context of wildlife trade.
TRAFFIC’s role as a bridge between research, policy, and action contributes significantly to global efforts aimed at preserving and responsibly managing the world’s diverse flora and fauna.
COALITION AGAINST WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING
The Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT) – Uniting Against Illegal Trade
- The Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT) is a dedicated initiative working towards the eradication of illegal wildlife trade, focusing on garnering public and political attention and resources for this critical cause.
- It stands out as a unique voluntary coalition, bringing together governments and organizations that share a common commitment to combat wildlife trafficking.
Key Features of CAWT:
- Public-Private Collaboration: CAWT is a distinctive public-private coalition, fostering collaboration between like-minded governments and organizations. This approach is crucial for consolidating efforts and resources to effectively address the challenges posed by illegal wildlife trade.
- Diverse Membership: The coalition boasts a diverse membership, encompassing major US-based entities such as Conservation International, Save the Tiger Fund, the Smithsonian Institution, Traffic International, WildAid, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the American Forest & Paper Association. These organizations bring a wealth of expertise and global interests to the coalition.
- Open Membership: CAWT extends its membership invitation to governments, non-governmental organizations, and corporations that share a commitment to combat wildlife trafficking. This inclusive approach enhances the coalition’s reach and impact.
CAWT – FUNCTIONS AND OBJECTIVES:
- Education and Information Sharing: CAWT serves as a platform for education and information sharing about wildlife, enhancing awareness of the harmful consequences associated with illegal wildlife trafficking. This includes the impacts on biodiversity and human health.
- Raising Public Awareness: One of CAWT’s goals is to raise public awareness about the detrimental repercussions of illegal wildlife trafficking. By informing the public, the coalition strives to build a collective understanding of the urgent need to address this global challenge.
- Demand Reduction: The coalition actively works towards lowering the demand for wildlife and associated goods. This multifaceted approach aims to address the root causes of illegal trade.
- Political Will: CAWT endeavors to ignite political will to combat wildlife trafficking. By garnering support at the political level, the coalition aims to bolster regional, national, and global initiatives focused on curbing illegal wildlife trade.
- International Collaboration: CAWT facilitates collaboration on the international trade of threatened species. This cooperative effort is essential for creating a unified front against wildlife trafficking, promoting joint initiatives and strategies.
The Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking stands as a testament to the collective strength of diverse entities uniting to protect and preserve the world’s wildlife heritage. Through education, awareness, and collaborative action, CAWT strives to make a lasting impact in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
FAQs – International Wildlife Conservation Organizations: MIKE, TRAFFIC, CAWT
1. What is wildlife trafficking or smuggling?
A: Wildlife trafficking involves the illegal acquisition, transportation, and distribution of animals and their derivatives, both domestically and internationally.
2. What is the estimated annual cost of wildlife trafficking?
A: According to the U.S. State Department, the annual cost of wildlife trafficking is estimated to range from $7.8 billion to $10 billion.
3. What makes accurately assessing the financial magnitude of wildlife trafficking challenging?
A: The illicit nature of these operations makes it exceptionally challenging to accurately assess the quantity of money involved.
4. How does wildlife trafficking compare to other criminal trades?
A: Wildlife trafficking is considered a substantial criminal trade, aligning with activities such as drug trade, human trafficking, counterfeit goods, illegal fishing, and forestry.
5. What are the commodities sought after in wildlife trafficking?
A: Exotic pets, food items, traditional medicines, apparel, and jewelry crafted from various animal parts, such as tusks, fins, skin, shell, horn, or internal organs, are in demand.
6. Which regions reportedly have the highest demand for illegally trafficked wildlife?
A: The United States, China, and the European Union are reported to have the highest levels of demand for illegally trafficked wildlife.
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