The World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) on 07 January 2016 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at reducing the amount of illegal wildlife products moving across international borders. The MoU was signed by Dr. Cristián Samper, WCS President and CEO, and Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the WCO.
As the criminal networks that profit from wildlife trafficking have become more organised, the illegal cross-border trade in wildlife has been made more sophisticated through the use of superior technology. Stopping the trafficking of illegal wildlife and wildlife products is essential to conserving endangered species such as elephants, tigers, marine turtles, pangolins, and many others, according to a statement released by the WCO.
With the signing of this MoU, WCO and WCS agree to exchange information, collaborate on policy decisions, and cooperate in multiple ways in efforts to stop illegal wildlife trade. WCO and WCS affirmed that the issue should be addressed through commensurate and coordinated national, regional and international measures.
Customs officials across the globe are on the front line in efforts to prevent smuggling of illegal wildlife products across international borders. A total of 180 governments are members of the WCO, representing more than 98 percent of world trade. WCS staff members have conducted training for WCO and Customs officials in many countries, an example of beneficial collaboration that could expand under this agreement.