#WildlifeTrafficking: European Parliament declares war on wildlife traffickers

MEPs have voted for tough measures to combat the growing trade in illegal wildlife products (24 November). The report by Liberal and Democrat MEP Catherine Bearder makes tough recommendations to tackle wildlife trafficking including minimum prison sentences, making sure illegal trade abroad is illegal within the EU and adding wildlife crime to Europol’s 2017 “Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment” - giving it the same priority as drug trafficking, human trafficking and money laundering.

British MEP Catherine Bearder said, “for too long, wildlife traffickers have been getting off with a slap on the wrist. This is a serious and organised crime by efficient and international criminal gangs, who should be facing consistent sentencing across the EU.

“EU Governments must push for wildlife trafficking to be listed as a “serious and organised” crime by Europol."

The report also calls for the an ‘EU Wildlife Trafficking Coordinator’ to ensure a joined-up effort by the EU countries and the Commission’s services. Beader’s report also calls for an immediate ban the ivory trade into and out of the EU, including ‘pre-Convention’ ivory and rhino horns.

Bearder’s fellow ALDE MEP Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy said, “The EU Action Plan is a tipping point in the fight against wildlife crime. The Parliament report further reinforces the necessity of an integral approach, to be implemented at both a Union and national level. Of the 32 actions proposed by the Commission, 24 should have started before the end of this year. There is no need for further meetings or words; we already have all the tools at our disposal. Time is of the essence.”

According to reports, there is an unprecedented spike in this trade: more than 23 metric tons of ivory was seized in 2011, a figure estimated to represent 2,500 elephants. Rhino poaching in South Africa increased from 13 to 1,004 rhinos between 2007 and 2013.

S&D spokesperson on wildlife trafficking, Susanne Melior MEP, said:

"We must take immediate action to better protect endangered animals and plants. Large organised gangs have made the trade in ivory and rhino horn one of the most lucrative illegal businesses. Ivory trade within the EU and other countries must be stopped. The Great Elephant Census in Africa has shown just how urgently this action is needed.  Every year, there is an 8% decline in the elephant population through poaching. If this is allowed to continue, within a few decades there will be no more wild elephants."

MEPs said that they will be watching developments closely and will make sure that the 24 actions tabled to start before the end of this year are being fully implemented.

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