Earlier today, I joined Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Clinton Foundation Vice Chair Chelsea Clinton for an event here at the White House to discuss efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.
Wildlife trafficking is a growing crisis. Since 2007, the trade has doubled in size and is now one of the most lucrative types of transnational organized crime in the world. Billions of dollars are made every year off the trade of illegal animal goods, and animal populations are being decimated in the process, while criminal syndicates and terrorist groups profit. As the trade grows, poachers are using increasingly powerful and sophisticated weapons, and traffickers are exploiting porous borders, corrupt officials, and weak institutions to profit from protected animals. At the same time, local economies that depend on wildlife tourism are being threatened.
At this afternoon’s event, we discussed the Administration’s efforts to counter wildlife trafficking as well as opportunities for public-private collaboration. Secretary Jewell also announced the members of the Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking, which was formed in response to the President's Executive Order of July 1 that charted a path forward to increase U.S. efforts to counter poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. The Advisory Council, comprised of private-sector leaders, nonprofit organizations, and former government officials, will make recommendations to the Administration on wildlife trafficking and provide it with ongoing advice and assistance.
Fonte: White House