Global marine terminal operator DP World has agreed to a set of 11 principles designed to help tackle the US$19 billion illegal wildlife trade.
Members of the United for Wildlife International Taskforce on the Transportation of Illegal Wildlife Products recently finalised the document that will shape the efforts of its transport and logistics sector members in the future.
The declaration and commitments cover a raft of issues from information sharing and detection, practical measures to stop the transportation of illegal wildlife products and a common determination to tackle the illegal trade, wherever it may be.
The United for Wildlife Taskforce is a collaboration between key partners from the transport industry, international bodies and conservation organisations was convened by the Duke of Cambridge and focuses increased attention on efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade as one of the most pressing conservation issues of our time.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, said: “Ports are gateways to world trade and as pillars of economies they play a vital role in enabling commerce to thrive for the benefit of all. Yet traffickers in illegal wildlife products can also use transport connectivity to profit from their activity.
“That’s why we all need to work together to tackle the issue and only by partnership can we succeed for the long term. Promoting greater awareness and vigilance within the maritime sector, port operators, customs organisations, customers and suppliers, encouraging greater cooperation is key.
“We owe it to the world, our partners, our communities and to the magnificent wildlife that shares this planet with us.”
Further insights on the workings of Dubai Customs at Jebel Ali Port have been given providing a detailed insight into security measures and monitoring in a bid to share and implement best practice globally.
The company is also writing to customers, global port operators, its 36,000 strong workforce around the world to highlight the agreement and to underline the need for co-operation in the transport and logistics sector.
Taskforce members led by the Rt Hon the Lord Hague of Richmond include DP World, World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).