International conference on wildlife trade held in London

Officials from more than 40 countries and regions gathered in London on Thursday as the Illegal Wildlife Conference was held here, with key actions agreed to end illegal wildlife trade. "The illegal wildlife trade is a global problem and it matters deeply to all of us gathered here today," said British Foreign Secretary William Hague, who chaired the conference. He said the participants need to show the world their political commitment at the highest level across the globe to addressing the problem "before it is to late." A declaration issued at the conference called for an urgent action to stamp out wildlife trafficking and eliminate the illegal market through high-level political commitment and international cooperation. Key actions has been agreed by attendees, including those from China, the United States, Russia, Botswana, Chad and Vietnam, who vowed to help eradicate the demand for wildlife products, strengthen law enforcement, and support the development of sustainable livelihoods for communities affected by wildlife crime. The actions also included more support for continuing the existing international ban on commercial trade in elephant ivory, renouncing the use of products within governments from species threatened with extinction, as well as amending legislation to make poaching and wildlife trafficking "serious crimes." Rhino horn, tiger parts and elephant tusks fuels illegal poaching business worth more than 19 billion U.S. dollars each year, according to World Wildlife Fund. The trade threatens the survival of entire species, and undermines economic opportunity in developing countries.