Public education of illegal wildlife trade implications essential: UAE official

Environment minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said here Sunday that it is essential to educate the public about economical, social and environmental implications of illegal wildlife trade, according to a statement released by state-run news agency WAM.

Sunday marks the World Environment Day, while this year focuses on "Zero Tolerance for Illegal Wildlife Trade."

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the UAE contributed to global wildlife protection efforts by endorsing related international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the London Declaration on Illegal Wildlife Trade.

Illegal wildlife trade is a threat for biodiversity and has contributed to making several species fall under the endangered list, he said, adding that the size of illegal wildlife trade has reached 15 to 20 billion U.S. dollars.

He said the UAE has led a concerted effort over the past several years, and has developed a number of programs that, according to him, have helped to expand the populations of animals that were deemed endangered.

The Gulf nation has also put in place laws and regulations that would slap heavy penalties for those engaging in illegal wildlife trade, and promote information exchange with the relevant regional and international organizations, said the statement. Enditem