One year on from signing the United for Wildlife Buckingham Palace Declaration, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is proud to reiterate its support for the global struggle against illicit wildlife trafficking.
The Buckingham Palace Declaration is an initiative of United for Wildlife, a movement created by The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex to protect iconic species such as elephant, rhino and tiger, as well as lesser known species such as pangolin, from extinction.
Thought to be worth as much as $23 billion, illegal wildlife trafficking is the fourth most lucrative market for smugglers after drugs, humans and arms. The trade breeds corruption and robs local communities of legitimate jobs and economic opportunities.
As a responsible, sustainable company led by strong values, MSC has a longstanding commitment to marine and wildlife conservation, including its own ethical initiatives to support wildlife preservation, for example, banning the carriage of animal hunting trophies and endangered shark fins.
And in line with the Buckingham Palace Declaration, MSC encourages a zero-tolerance policy on illegal wildlife trade and is advocate for improved systems of detection and information sharing on suspicious activities related to wildlife.
MSC also recognises that customs and law enforcement authorities cannot handle the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products on their own and companies have a key role to play in helping to solve the problem.
The original Buckingham Palace Declaration attracted 90 signatories, predominantly from the transport industry, while other industry sectors from technology to finance are also increasingly getting behind the anti-wildlife trafficking movement this year.
By never knowingly facilitating or tolerating the carriage of illegal wildlife products, together we can #EndWildlifeCrime.
