Zero tolerance for illegal wildlife trade pledged in New Delhi on World Environment Day
New Delhi, India, June 2016—Individuals from all walks of life pledged their support for fighting wildlife crime during an event held in Connaught Place, New Delhi, to mark World Environment Day.
The event in New Delhi was organized by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), TRAFFIC, WWF-India, United Nations Development Programme, ENVIS Centers, PETA and Maashakti.
Participants were given the opportunity to watch wildlife films and sketches by students of law, take part in wildlife quizzes, painting competitions, slogan writing and a programme of cultural events. Another popular activity was “selfie corner” where people took photos of themselves with cut outs of various protected species.
Celebrated globally on 5th June every year, World Environment Day highlights various conservation and environmental issues. This year’s theme “Go Wild for Life—Zero Tolerance for Illegal Wildlife Trade” focused on the need to curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade to ensure the survival of wildlife.
Led by Mr. A.N. Jha, Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, more than 700 participants pledged to say NO to buying illegal wildlife products in order to support efforts to curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
The highlight was a march around the inner circle of Connaught Place with volunteers and supporters holding placards with messages related to wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
“Illegal wildlife trade has emerged as one of the most significant threats to wildlife and engaging public support is crucial to the success of eradicating this epidemic,” said Dr Shekhar Kumar Niraj, Head of TRAFFIC’s India office.
