A young wild Indochinese tiger under threat from illegal wildlife trade. © Freeland/DNP
Illicit Wildlife Trade in Southeast Asia | Evolution, Trajectory and How to Stop It
A recent report from Freeland founder Steve Galster on Illicit Wildlife Trade is a compelling read. It provides a historical context to crime and counter-trafficking efforts in Southeast Asia, what has worked and what hasn’t and offers a pathway for the future. Wildlife crime has grown to become one of the largest international organised crimes, largely because it has been previously ignored or downplayed by governments. However, with emerging links to national and global security, the importance of ecological security is now being increasingly recognised.
This report provides some shocking examples of illicit wildlife trade but shows the efforts of close collaboration across Asia of those who fight to make a difference.
“There is reason to be optimistic: inclination, determination and perseverance are all that are needed. New tools, laws, and changes in attitudes give the authors hope for the future and inspire them to continue working on this important issue.”
