AsianScientist (Feb. 11, 2013) – During the Chinese New Year period, TRAFFIC and WWF urge people not to purchase and consume illegal wildlife products, nor accept them as gifts during gatherings of family, friends, and colleagues.
“China and Chinese people can make a huge contribution to conserving our shared richness of biological diversity, both at home and globally, and make Chinese New Year a healthier and much more meaningful celebration,” said Dr. Shi Jianbin, Head of TRAFFIC’s China Program.
These comments were made last month in Beijing as various governmental, non-governmental, and private sector organizations met to discuss how best to reduce the demand in China for illegal wildlife products.
The workshop, held on January 17, was organized by the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA), TRAFFIC, and WWF.
It included high-level representatives from China’s CITES Management Authority, State Forest Administration, General Administration of Customs, State Administration for Industry and Commerce, Supreme People’s Court, and Supreme People’s Procuratorate.
Participants noted the current spotlight focusing on wildlife crime in China and how government and the media needed to align with non-governmental organizations and the private sector in their efforts to address the issue.
It also stressed the need for effective law enforcement and strengthening joint cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
The workshop participants concluded that there is a keen need to understand the attitudes and motivations that drive consumers to buy these products, such as individuals’ need to highlight social status and personal success, and corporate gifting.
The workshop also recommended outreach efforts to increase the awareness of Chinese nationals in Africa with respect to laws and regulations governing trade of wildlife products from Africa, and the restrictions on import of endangered species products to China.
——
Source: TRAFFIC.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
