Every year, hundreds of millions of endangered species are illegally poached from the wild and then sold for medicine, ornamentation, as pets or as a display of social status. This illegal trade is worth USD50-150 billion per year[1]. Overexploitation has threatened the survival of many iconic species.
Although there is limited regulation that forces businesses to adhere to wildlife issues in their corporate social responsibility, governments and conservation organisations are engaging businesses to take part in solving this global social and environmental issue. One key motivation for businesses to tackle wildlife crime is to avoid risks.
While many businesses are at risk, there are two sectors that are most vulnerable to being implicated in the illegal wildlife trade chain. Businesses in the first sector are often involved in the sale of wildlife species or products, like pet stores, luxury retailers, traditional medicine practitioners, and specialty restaurants. The other sector may knowingly or unknowingly facilitate trade in transport, logistics, or online sales and trade.
Many companies can unwittingly trap themselves in potential reputational, economic and legal risks.
Reputational risks
Social media has given more people the power to spread news of wildlife crime. Any organisationthat receives negative publicity faces the potential loss trust with partners and clients. Businesses and clients who are looking for socially and environmentally responsible practices might refuse to cooperate with companies implicated in illegal wildlife trade.
Legal risks
Any organisation involved in a wildlife seizure faces the risk of repeated inspections from state management agencies without notice. If an organisation is found to breach regulations on environmental protection, they also face the risk of being taken to court, especially if they work internationally.
Economic risks
Legal and reputational damage can lead to massive financial losses. Law proceedings and regular inspections can lead to a loss of productivity, liquidity, and even the possibility of a business being terminated. Court fees and legal entanglements can be costly and prevent other organisations from choosing to do business with you.
By adopting a policy of zero tolerance to illegal wildlife trade, any company can demonstrate its leadership in solving this global environmental issue.
TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, can help your business mitigate risk and become a leader in theflight against wildlife crime by:
- Helping you develop or strengthen your company’s CSR strategy to include key actions that demonstrate your corporate commitment to tackling illegal wildlife trade, strengthening the integrity of your brand;
- Raising awareness and encourage action amongst your staff about the international illegal wildlife trade crisis, especially the trade in rhino horn;
- Guiding your staff on where to find accurate information about proven medical treatments;
- Integrating you and your company into modern social practices, keeping you at the forefront of global trends;
- Strengthening your reputation as a pioneering and socially responsible business;
- Providing you with guidance and information to help you comply with laws and regulations on illegal wildlife trade.
[1]According to: http://www.unep.org/yearbook/2014/PDF/chapt4.pdf