We work to end
wildlife trafficking
JGI/Fernando Turmo
Trafficking in great apes and other animals is a global criminal enterprise that is pushing our most endangered species to the brink of extinction. The illegal trade in wildlife causes immense suffering to animals and is harmful to people too.
The Crisis
Endangered species are protected by national and international laws. But too often this protection is on paper only. Millions of animals are illegally taken from the wild every year to be sold live or for their parts on the black market.
- Around the world, wildlife trafficking damages biodiversity and threatens the very survival of some of our most iconic species.
- Wildlife trafficking causes immense suffering to animals through hunting, inappropriate handling and terrible conditions in transportation and captivity.
- As an organized criminal activity, wildlife trafficking undermines the rule of law and damages communities. What's more, it can spread disease, harming both humans and other animals.
Unless we end trafficking, primates and other wildlife will be gone for good. All great apes are now endangered, with most species categorized as “critically endangered.” Many other primates, like macaques, are under threat too.
Demand fuels this illegal trade. Poverty, industrial & economic development, greed, corruption, and weak governance all contribute to it.
Everyone from governments to businesses to consumers and the general public has a role to play in preventing the extinction of our most at-risk species.
What we do
Our triangle approach to combat trafficking
Educate local communities about the dangers and consequences of wildlife trafficking, involving local people in our work. We support law enforcement agencies to reduce criminal activity and reinforce reporting.
Run community-led conservation initiatives which support sustainable alternative livelihoods for local communities.
Rescue and rehabilitate trafficked animals in sanctuaries Chimp Eden in South Africa and Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of Congo.
Act locally
Around the world, JGI Chapters run local campaigns and work strategically to advance anti-trafficking initiatives.
Collaborate globally
JGI collaborates with other agencies in research, knowledge-sharing, advocacy and action to protect wildlife from trafficking.
Image credit: JGI/Fernando Turmo
End Wildlife Crime
Working together to end wildlife crime
Transformative change is required to international laws to address global biodiversity, climate, development, public and animal health challenges.
As an international champion of the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime, we work on a targeted strategy for change.
Aims:
- Creation of an additional protocol covering wildlife trafficking under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime
- Full implementation of United Nations resolutions on tackling illicit wildlife trafficking
- Inclusion of public health and animal health criteria in relevant international conventions and processes, including through the development and implementation of a robust Pandemic Agreement
- Adoption of measures at national level to minimise the risk of pathogen spillover at source (primary prevention)
©Vincent Calmel
“No organisation on its own, no country on its own, can effectively stop the illegal wildlife trade that knows no borders. Only through our collective efforts, continued collaboration across borders can we stamp out this cruel and devastating trade, wildlife trafficking. Together we simply must. Otherwise, the effects will be so devastating that entire ecosystems will collapse, and future generations will never know the joy of going out to see some of these extraordinary animals, and trees, and plants in the wild.”
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder, Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals recognise wildlife trafficking as a threat to a sustainable future.
