Governments
around the world should work with each other, local residents and the private
sector to reduce poaching and wildlife crimes that are funneling an estimated
$19 billion annually to terrorists and other criminals, a Stimson
Center report issued today recommends.
The
report – based on projects Stimson is running in East Africa – says that
“wildlife crime is no longer only a challenge to conservation, biodiversity and
development. Poaching is – just as the illegal trade in arms, drugs and
counterfeit goods – a serious threat to national and international security and
economic development.”
To read the full press release, click here.