11 November 2012: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hosted an event, titled “Wildlife Trafficking and Conservation: A Call to Action,” in Washington, DC, US, on 8 November 2012. The event brought together ambassadors and leaders from international organizations, NGOs and the private sector to energize and strengthen the global commitment to combat illegal trade in wildlife and promote conservation by placing it on the foreign policy and security agenda.

Clinton said wildlife trafficking is a national security issue, a public health issue, and an economic security issue.

John Scanlon, Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), participated as an invited expert, and highlighted that combating wildlife crimes requires the support of the police and other enforcement personnel, as well as the military in some cases, and noted that direct intervention of the highest level of government also may be required.

The call to action includes four elements: increased diplomatic efforts, a global outreach campaign, strengthened and expanded enforcement areas, and a concerted global response. [CITES Press Release][US Department of State Press Release]