About Traffic - the wildlife trade monitoring network
Traffic - The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network: Protecting Endangered Species
TRAFFIC is a non-governmental organization that has been working tirelessly to monitor and combat the illegal trade of wild animals and plants for over 40 years. With its headquarters in Cambridge, UK, TRAFFIC operates in more than 30 countries across the globe.
The organization was founded in 1976 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to address the growing concern over wildlife trafficking. Since then, TRAFFIC has become a leading authority on wildlife trade monitoring, research, and analysis.
TRAFFIC's mission is to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival or contribute to biodiversity loss. The organization works closely with governments, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, industry stakeholders, and local communities to achieve this goal.
TRAFFIC's work focuses on three main areas:
1. Research: TRAFFIC conducts extensive research on wildlife trade trends and patterns around the world. This information helps identify key issues that need attention from policymakers and law enforcement agencies.
2. Monitoring: TRAFFIC monitors legal and illegal wildlife trade routes using a variety of methods such as market surveys, online monitoring tools, intelligence gathering techniques etc., which help them identify emerging trends or hotspots where action needs to be taken.
3. Advocacy: TRAFFIC advocates for stronger laws against illegal wildlife trafficking at national levels as well as international conventions like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
TRAFFIC's work has had significant impact over the years; it has helped reduce demand for certain species like ivory while also increasing awareness about conservation issues among consumers worldwide.
One of TRAFFIC's most notable achievements was its role in helping bring about an end to China's domestic ivory market – one of the largest markets for ivory products globally – which came into effect in 2017. TRAFFIC's research and advocacy played a crucial role in convincing the Chinese government to take this step.
TRAFFIC also works closely with local communities to promote sustainable livelihoods that do not rely on wildlife trade. This approach helps reduce pressure on endangered species while also providing alternative income sources for people who may have previously relied on wildlife trade for their livelihoods.
In addition, TRAFFIC collaborates with other organizations and initiatives such as the Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge, which aims to develop innovative technologies that can help combat wildlife trafficking more effectively.
Overall, TRAFFIC's work is critical in protecting endangered species from illegal trade and ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants is sustainable. The organization's expertise, research capabilities, and advocacy efforts make it a key player in the fight against wildlife trafficking globally.