Commission launches Action Plan to crack down on wildlife trafficking

The European Commission adopted on 26 February 2016 a proposal for an Action Plan to tackle wildlife trafficking within the European Union and to strengthen the EU's role in the global fight against these illegal activities.

The Action Plan comprises 32 measures to be carried out until 2020 by the EU and its member states. It focuses on three priorities:

+ Prevention of trafficking and reduction of supply and demand of illegal wildlife products;
+ Enhancing implementation of existing rules and combatting organised crime more effectively;
+ Strengthening cooperation between sources, destination and transit countries, including strategic EU financial support to tackle trafficking in source countries.

A consultation concluded in April 2014 on an approach against wildlife trafficking show strong support for the development of such an Action Plan.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution in January 2014 calling for such a document. On 13 October 2016, its environment committee voted on a report analysing the action plan presented by the Commission.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Communication: RAPID: MEMO/16/388, 26.02.16: Questions and answers on the EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-388_en.htm

European Parliament: Press Release, 12.10.16: Making a killing: how to stop the lethal practice of wildlife trafficking http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20161007STO46180/

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