World Leaders Should Follow Kenya's Example in Combating the Illegal Wildlife Trade

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta

Kenya's First Lady Margaret Kenyatta recently demanded a cooperative approach that embraces technology in battling the illegal wildlife trade. She pointed out that one of the biggest challenges that wildlife conservation is facing is the sophistication of the methods utilized by wildlife traffickers around the world. The First Lady was speaking at the Kenya Airways Pride Center in Nairobi's Embakasi division when she officially initiated an "awareness workshop on combating the illegal wildlife trafficking." The workshop was directed at providing training to airport and airline staff on the dangers of wildlife smuggling. While saying that wildlife conservation is becoming an increasingly important worldwide issue, the First Lady stated that focused leadership, political generosity, policies and impositions of bans have helped Kenya in recording substantial progress in battling the illegal wildlife trade. She underlined the need for a concerted approach that would utilize the complimentary efficiencies of various sectors and groups, stating that exceptional intelligence and new methods must be applied because pressure is mounting and countries continue to suffer massive losses. She further added that improvised and stronger networks must also be developed to close the loopholes that have enabled the growth of the illegal wildlife trade. As part of her pledge of commitment to supporting all those who aim to defend the future of Kenya's wildlife heritage, the First Lady applauded Kenya Airways for being among the airlines that have signed a declaration known as the "United for Wildlife International Transportation Taskforce", which is dedicated to zero tolerance against wildlife trade. She requested other agencies and organizations to join the conservation effort by signing the declaration to stop the illegal wildlife trade.

I'm very proud that First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has called for a mutual approach that embraces technology in fighting the illegal wildlife trade. It shows that she recognizes the significance of the issue and why it is extremely essential to put a stop to it. I believe that world leaders from various other countries should follow her example in an effort to stop the illegal wildlife trade from thriving. In her speech, the First Lady mentioned that stronger and better networks must be developed to close the loopholes that allowed the growth of the wildlife trade. This is highly crucial because even in countries that are committed to fight any crime against nature, there are loopholes which prevent perpetrators involved in poaching and the illegal wildlife from being severely punished for their actions. I urge the governments of other African countries and around the world to take First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's views on the illegal wildlife trade into consideration. This illicit and lucrative business is operating with impunity and requires a concerted approach amongst countries to put an end to it.

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