On Monday, May 13, the Duke of Cambridge participated in a meeting of United for Wildlife Taskforces, focusing on the financial and transport sector. The meeting marks the first time the two groups have come together.
The Duke of Cambridge during his speech applauded Taskforces’ work in fighting illegal activities that take advantage of wildlife.
He highlighted
We should all feel pride that we’re starting to see an impact. But it’s just that the start.
He continued stating that although the Taskforces are making a progress, they still have a lot to achieve.
In the last four months there have been nine significant seizures in southeast Asia alone, involving tonnes of pangolin scales, rhino horns and ivory.
For every container that goes intercepted, or every suspicious payment that is flagged, hundreds more go undetected. When containers are found, too often the real perpetrators slip away.
The meeting was chaired by Lord William Hague, and included contributions from members of each Taskforce who gave examples of how they work and how law enforcement is able to take their information and use it in building a prosecution against traffickers.
His Royal Highness attended the joint meeting and made a speech to close the session. He also met with representatives from members’ organisations.
