Press Release: Environment: Experts meet to discuss how to better fight wildlife trafficking in the EU and globally

Following an invitation by the European Commission, 170 experts met on 10 April 2014 in Brussels to discuss how the EU can better fight wildlife trafficking.

The background of the Commission's initiative is the surge in wildlife trafficking globally over the last years which had reached a level that threatened the survival of some endangered species and undermines good governance and sustainable development. Organised crime is significantly involved in this lucrative business, also within the EU.

Discussions focused on how to strengthen enforcement within the EU, how to better fight organised wildlife crime and how to ensure a more strategic diplomatic and development support role for the EU against wildlife crime.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Our fight against wildlife trafficking http://www.europeansources.info/record/speech-our-fight-against-wildlife-trafficking/

ESO: Background information: Commission consults on how EU can fight against dramatic increase in wildlife trafficking http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-environment-commission-consults-on-how-eu-can-fight-against-dramatic-increase-in-wildlife-trafficking/

EurActiv, 25.11.14: Primates and monkeys sold online in EU http://www.euractiv.com/sections/infosociety/primates-and-monkeys-sold-online-eu-310307

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