Barack Obama is committing to help combat poaching and wildlife trafficking in Africa. During his state visit to Tanzania on July 1st, he announced that he had signed a new executive order aimed at better organizing the US government’s efforts in the fight against poaching, in order to cooperate more effectively with African governments.
The executive order includes:
. $10 million in aid to improve protection of threatened animal populations in the African countries most affected
. a Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking to develop a national strategy against organized crime within six months
. a review of the Federal Government’s Transnational Organized Crime Strategy, to consider adding wildlife trafficking to the list of crimes it covers.
Poaching and wildlife trafficking have reached historic levels in recent years, with repercussions for regional conflicts and the national security of the African countries concerned.
Nearly 30,000 elephants are killed every year for their ivory.
President Obama stated:
“The entire world must help ensure that Africa’s beauty is preserved for future generations.”
WWF article: Obama pledges support to stop wildlife crime in Africa
