Discussions on Stopping Trafficking in Wildlife

Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
October 18-19, 2006

Actress and wildlife activist Bo Derek, as the Secretary of State's Special Envoy for Wildlife Trafficking, and Claudia McMurray, Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, visited northern California on October 18-19, 2006. They had many discussions with groups in the region about what can be done to stop trafficking in endangered species of wildlife and to promote the efforts of the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking.

Bo Derek and Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Claudia McMurray, visited northern California on October 18-19, 2006. The purpose of the visit was to raise awareness through discussions with groups in the region about what can be done to stop trafficking in endangered species of wildlife. This trade is estimated to amount to between 10 and 20 billion dollars each year. It is having a devastating effect on an increasing number of wildlife species. This illegal trade is fueled by unchecked demand for exotic pets, rare foods, trophies, and traditional medicines. The slaughter to meet this demand is driving tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, exotic birds, and many other species to the brink of extinction. In addition, the alarming rise in virulent wildlife diseases, such as avian influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which can be spread by illegal wildlife trade and endanger public health.

The two visited a wide variety of groups, who see various sides of the issue. The first stop was a meeting with the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, to discuss tiger conservation and Chinese medical uses. This discussion was an informal exchange between cultures who both value these species but in different ways.

The presentation at the World Affairs Council of San Francisco was more formal. The text is available here, including questions and answers. Both envoys discussed the role of governments, the role of non-governmental organizations, and the role of the private sector in efforts to stop this illegal and dangerous trade. Among the efforts discussed was the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking,

which Assistant Secretary McMurray helped establish as a partnership between countries and nongovernmental organizations to help stop this trade before some species become extinct. 

They discussed the attitudes of the black-marketeers, the prices that some endangered species command in the marketplace, the dangers of diseases that can jump from animals (such as the bird flu) to domestic animals and people, and some of the successes in training law enforcement personnel to understand the importance, not just to animals but that these same networks frequently traffic in people and in drugs.

They also talked about the more innocent trade, people buying exotic souvenirs or other articles without considering whether they are contributing to the international criminal networks' profits and to the destruction of the last living creatures of species that have been around for millions, or hundreds of millions, of years.

Bo Derek's remarks reflected her own dedication and how she got interested in and involved with this effort. She added her own plea for everyone to become better educated on the subject and to make sure that people's actions followed their interests.

The last public presentation by the Assistant Secretary for Oceans Environment and Science Claudia A. McMurray, Special Envoy Bo Derek, was with Doug Ivey, host of a syndicated radio show that has a large audience among those interested in conservation of nature, “Meet the Planet.” audio | full text  This discussion touched on the legal aspects and the efforts individuals can make to support this effort.