Trade in illegal wildlife, including endangered species, is the fourth-largest global illegal trade after drugs, counterfeit products and currency, and human trafficking. To combat this scourge, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and IATA, have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to reduce illegal trade in wildlife and products that come from animals, and to ensure the safe transport of legally traded wildlife.
The MOU calls for best practices including enforcement of IATA’s Live Animal Regulations, IATA’s Perishable Cargo Regulations, and CITES’ guidelines for the non-air transport of live wild animals and plants.
In recent years there has been an increase in not only illegal trade in wildlife, but products such as elephant ivory, rhino horn and rare timber, with smugglers misusing the aviation system to evade customs and other authorities. Transnational organized criminals, rebel militia and rogue elements of militaries drive poaching and illegal trade for international markets.
“Well-trained airline staff can be an invaluable source of information on suspicious passenger behavior and unusual shipments,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s director general and CEO. “Our collaboration with CITES will help the industry to play a role in stopping the terrible scourge of illegal trade in wildlife that threatens some of the most precious animal and plant life on our planet.”