Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking Frequently Asked Questions

Scope

The scope of the Coalition is limited to combating the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products.

Q. Does CAWT take an interest in the illegal trade in CITES and non-CITES species?

CAWT seeks to stop the illegal trade in both CITES and non-CITES species which are under threat due to trafficking. This includes those which are protected under national law or other designations (with the agreement of, or at the request of, the Government concerned.) CAWT supports the implementation and enforcement of the controls on CITES species.

Q. Does CAWT focus on animals and/or plants?

CAWT is about wildlife, which some CAWT partners define to include both plants and animals. It aims to look at the areas where it can make the greatest impact, while not duplicating other existing initiatives.

Q . Does CAWT have a role in supporting efforts to minimise disease transmission (and other health issues) through the illegal wildlife trade?

This is not a focus for CAWT as these issues are being dealt with in other fora. However, CAWT may seek to draw attention to the risk of disease transmission from illegally traded wildlife as part of CAWT's overall efforts to reduce consumer demand.

Q. Is CAWT involved in animal welfare issues?

These issues are also being dealt with in other fora; however, CAWT may draw attention to the often extremely inhumane methods used by traffickers to transport wildlife.

Relationship between CAWT and CITES

Q. What is the relationship between CAWT and CITES?

CAWT complements CITES. CAWT partners have worked closely with the CITES Secretariat to ensure that CAWT contributes to CITES' efforts without duplicating existing work within CITES.

Activities

Q. What type of activities does CAWT carry out?

CAWT aims to carry out activities to build wildlife law enforcement capacity, reduce consumer demand, and build high-level political support. Law enforcement activities could include training, information exchange, and support of regional law enforcement organizations. Activities to reduce demand could include raising awareness of the harm caused by illegal wildlife trade to biodiversity and the environment; educating consumers about alternative, sustainable choices; raising awareness of wildlife laws; and seeking out opportunities to highlight trafficking issues.

Membership

Q. What does it mean to be a CAWT partner?

A. Partners are expected to work toward achieving the Coalition's goals of improving wildlife law enforcement, reducing consumer demand for illegally traded wildlife, and trying to increase high-level political will to fight trafficking. Each Partner determines where it can contribute most effectively, including through cooperative efforts with other CAWT partners. This also includes publicizing CAWT's activities and successes whenever possible.

Q. What are the criteria for joining CAWT?

Any government or organization which is active in the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife, works internationally, is willing to affirm its commitment to the Coalition's objectives and Mission Statement, and which meets with no objection from existing Partners, may become a partner in the Coalition.

Structure and Administration

Q. What is CAWT's structure?

CAWT is a voluntary partnership; it is not a formal entity and does not have a permanent secretariat. Administrative responsibilities are assumed by a government partner, which serves as the CAWT Chair on a two-year rotational basis.

Q. How is CAWT funded?

CAWT is funded through voluntary contributions from partners; there is no membership fee or assessed contribution. The CAWT Chair is responsible for administrative expenses