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The 2020 END Wildlife Trafficking Report underscores the U.S. government’s comprehensive and coordinated approach to combating the global crisis of wildlife trafficking. By leveraging its multi-agency Task Force, the U.S. is making significant progress in strengthening law enforcement, reducing demand, and fostering international cooperation.
The report highlights that wildlife trafficking threatens security, economic prosperity, the rule of law, conservation efforts, and human health. President Trump’s Executive Order 13773 recognized the connection between wildlife trafficking and transnational criminal organizations.
The Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking, co-chaired by the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Interior, and Attorney General, brings together 17 federal departments and agencies to implement the National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking. The U.S. government’s three-pronged approach focuses on strengthening law enforcement, reducing demand, and building international cooperation.
The report notes that the Task Force’s efforts are making a difference on the ground, with improved coordination, expanded international outreach, and better intelligence. The U.S. has led global efforts, securing agreements and commitments from governments and stakeholders to take urgent action.
To improve accountability and reporting, the Task Force developed 14 indicators to monitor U.S. government-supported actions in Focus Countries, including measures of law enforcement capacity building, policy reform, and demand reduction. Data was reported from all 26 original Focus Countries in 2019, showing progress in areas such as law enforcement capacity building.
Overall, the report highlights the U.S. government’s comprehensive and coordinated approach to combating the serious threat of wildlife trafficking, both domestically and internationally.
Source: state.gov-Climate, Environment, and Conservation
Our Commentary
Background and Context
Wildlife trafficking is a global crisis that threatens biodiversity, national security, and public health. Transnational criminal organizations exploit vulnerable wildlife populations, fueling a multi-billion dollar illegal trade. The U.S. government has recognized the gravity of this issue and has taken a leading role in coordinating a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to combat wildlife trafficking.
Expert Analysis
“The 2020 END Wildlife Trafficking Report is a testament to the U.S. government’s leadership in tackling this complex global challenge,” said Dr. John Scanlon, former Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). “By adopting a multi-pronged approach and fostering international cooperation, the Task Force is making significant strides in disrupting the criminal networks that fuel the illegal wildlife trade. This report serves as a model for other countries to follow in their own efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.”
Additional Data and Fact Reinforcement
The report’s detailed indicators demonstrate the U.S. government’s commitment to accountability and transparency, allowing for better monitoring and evaluation of its efforts. According to the report, data was reported from all 26 original Focus Countries in 2019, showing progress in areas such as law enforcement capacity building.
Related News
In recent years, the U.S. government has taken additional steps to strengthen its response to wildlife trafficking, including the passage of the Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt (END) Wildlife Trafficking Act in 2016 and the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking. These efforts have been complemented by international initiatives, such as the London Declaration on the Illegal Wildlife Trade and the Kasane Statement on the Illegal Wildlife Trade.
Summary
The 2020 END Wildlife Trafficking Report underscores the U.S. government’s comprehensive and coordinated approach to combating the global crisis of wildlife trafficking. By leveraging its multi-agency Task Force, the U.S. is making significant progress in strengthening law enforcement, reducing demand, and fostering international cooperation. As the world grapples with the threats posed by wildlife exploitation, the U.S. government’s leadership in this area serves as a model for other nations to follow, ensuring a more sustainable and secure future for our planet’s precious biodiversity.
