Report Post 2020 Wildlife Trade: current challenges and opportunities for demand reduction

It is important for both policymakers and consumers to understand not only the wider direct impacts of the unsustainable over- exploitation of natural systems – the current COVID-19 pandemic, for example, has so far cost millions of lives and trillions of dollars – but also the full range and value of direct and indirect ecosystem services. [...] In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and vital global discussions this year about how we need to protect our environment and biodiversity into the future, tackling the demand for IWT products should be recognised and addressed as an important component of the overall problem. [...] The Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park, Minister for Pacific and the destabilise and Environment at the UK’s FCDO and Defra, opened the discussion by highlighting the degrade the natural significant role played by IWT, alongside habitat loss for commodity production and world around us, then other factors, in the current biodiversity crisis that threatens many animal and plant we must expect s. [...] It is essential to recognise the sophistication of the criminal networks involved in IWT, “We need new ways to agree internationally on comparable and serious penalties for offenders, and to of doing things: 20th increase the risk for criminals. [...] The eventual exit from the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the upcoming COPs and other forums, can be used the highlight the public health and economic value of wildlife and to build momentum and sustainability for future action.