UK, China unite to curb threats from poaching

China and the United Kingdom will work together to train African border forces to spot and stop smugglers involved in the illicit trade of animal products on the black market, says British Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom.

She was speaking at an international wildlife conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Nov 17 that was called to tackle the threat posed to species in Africa and elsewhere that face extinction as a consequence of illegal activity.

"During a visit to China last week, I confirmed that the UK and China will work together with border forces in southern Africa to build skills in identifying wildlife smugglers, detecting hidden wildlife products and preventing illegal goods from leaving the region," she says.

In a related initiative, Britain's Ministry of Defence announced on the same day that a British armed forces team will train park rangers in Malawi to combat poaching.

Leadsom announced that the UK was doubling its financial contribution to fighting the illegal trade in animal products, to 13 million ($16.2 million; 15.1 million euros).

"This global issue will only be solved through international cooperation, and the decisive action agreed in Hanoi will help to protect our wild animals for future generations," she says.

At the Hanoi conference, Britain's Prince William noted that China was taking steps toward a total ban on the manufacture and sale of ivory products as part of its efforts to save Africa's elephants.

"China has already signaled a total ban, the US has instituted one, and other nations, including the United Kingdom, are considering it," he says.

But he also issues a warning.

"Here is the problem," he says. "We know that we aren't moving fast enough to keep up with the crisis. Rhinos, elephants, pangolins, lions - they are all still being killed in horrifying numbers."

The illegal wildlife trade has reached unprecedented levels, largely driven by demand from Asia. In June, Chinese authorities pledged to release the timetable for the domestic ivory ban before the end of the year.

Chinese celebrities, including Maggie Q and Li Bingbing, played part by supporting a campaign to influence Chinese public opinion on animal welfare and global wildlife conservation.

boleung@mail.chinadailyuk.com