H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, has stated that fighting all activities related to the illegal trade of wildlife is a major pillar supporting the state’s security and safety policies and its biological diversification. He said that the country continues to take the necessary actions against the illegal trade of all kinds of wildlife through the enforcement of international agreements such as the CITES agreement in addition to related rules and regulations set by the state.
In a press statement delivered today coinciding with World Wildlife Day and the commemoration of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, H.E. explained that the slogan of “Significance of Wildlife Crime” reflects global concerns over the rampant illegal trade of wildlife. This was elaborated in the statement of “the future that we’re acquiring” that United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) which took place in Brazil in 2012. The convention called for the immediate implementation of strict measures towards eliminating all types of illegal wildlife trade and highlighted the importance of taking on the illegal wildlife markets by encouraging international collaboration and by treating the trade of wildlife as a major crime.
The slogan also emphasizes the economic, social and environmental damages caused by this illegal form of commerce, such as the proliferation of organized criminal groups over international borders followed by growing threats to national security around the world that diminish opportunities for sustainable growth opportunities. In addition, this harmful activity compromises the national capital, the cultural heritage of communities and biological diversification aside from accelerating the extinction of rare species. All these consequences are based on international reports confirming the rise of illegal hunting in recent years.
His Excellency added that the United Arab Emirates is aware of its role as an important regional and international trade hub, its responsibilities, and its potential contributions towards eliminating illicit wildlife trade worldwide. He explained that the country has taken important steps towards the latter such as the strengthening of institutional and legislative frameworks, noting Federal Law No. 11 of 2002 for managing and controlling the international trade of animals and plants threatened with extinction and amendments to Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 concerning the protection of the environment and development which imposes tougher sanctions on poaching and the illegal trafficking of endangered species in the country.
The Minister also referred to Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 concerning the exploitation, protection and development of living aquatic resources which aims to eliminate illegal hunting as well as ensure full adherence to national obligations in relevant international conventions such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
He also pointed out nationwide efforts towards further tightening controls on the international movement and trade of endangered species via the application of modern and effective techniques at border crossings and within the local markets, building employees capabilities at customs ports, updates the information on endangered species, as well as support for the exchange of information among all stakeholders. The Minister added that awareness campaigns for endangered species and legislation on wildlife trafficking and the risks of illicitly trading such species are intensifying, noting a recent campaign (Trading ivory leads to prosecution) that targeted around a million passengers in different languages.
Moreover, H.E. stated that the UAE plays an important global role in protecting the wildlife through actions such as its adherence to international conventions including CITES and the Convention on Biological Diversity and its active participation in conferences and international meetings focused on identifying and implementing viable and practical solutions for addressing the illegal trafficking of species. In terms of the latter, the Minister noted the country’s participation in the first global conference on the illicit trade in wildlife held in London last year and ongoing preparations for joining the Second World Conference to be held in the Republic of Botswana in the last week of March.
At the conclusion of his statement, Dr. Bin Fahad reiterated the commitment of the United Arab Emirates to the objectives of the international community towards maintaining and safeguarding biodiversity and responding decisively to the illegal trade in endangered wildlife. He called for faster implementation of internationally agreed measures on illegal wildlife trade. The Minister also emphasized the need for enhancing the effectiveness of international policies and legislation and joint international action to fill the gaps that can be exploited by organized criminal networks involved in the illicit trade of wildlife.