NationalStrategyforCombatingWildlifeTrafficking:

ImplementationPlan

OnFebruary11,2014,PresidentObamaissuedtheNationalStrategyforCombatingWildlife
Trafficking(Strategy).IncorporatingrecommendationsfromtheAdvisoryCouncilonWildlife
Trafficking,thisdocumentprovidesanImplementationPlan(Plan)1toguideanddirectthe
effortsofFederalagenciesinexecutingtheStrategy.ThePlanspecifiestheagenciesthatare
primarilyresponsibleforexecutingparticulartasks,butthisdoesnotexcludeother
departmentsandagenciesfromcontributingtoimplementationofthoseorothersteps.2

ThisPlanfollowsthestructureandobjectivesofthethreeStrategicPrioritiesidentifiedinthe
Strategy:

StrengthenEnforcementImplementingthisStrategicPriorityentailsimprovingefforts
intheUnitedStatestostopillegaltradeinwildlifeandtoenforcelawsprohibitingand
penalizingwildlifetrafficking,includingrequiringforfeitureofthefinancialprofitsand
instrumentsofthatillegalactivity.Inadditiontoimprovingcoordinationandprioritizing
wildlifetraffickingacrossenforcement,regulatory,andintelligenceagenciesinthe
UnitedStates,thisStrategicPriorityalsocallsforimprovingglobalenforcementefforts
bysupportingpartnercountriestobuildenforcementcapacityandtoundertake
multinationalenforcementoperationstargetingillegaltradeinwildlife.

ReduceDemandforIllegallyTradedWildlifeAsaStrategicPriority,reducingdemand
forillegallytradedwildlifecallsforraisingpublicawarenessoftheharmsdoneby
wildlifetraffickingthroughoutreachintheUnitedStatesandpublicdiplomacyabroad.
Oureffortsherewillseektoenlistindividualconsumersinourcountryandother
nationsinthisfightthrougheducationandoutreachtoreducedemandforthese
products,andchangeconsumptionpatternsthatdrivewildlifetrafficking.

BuildInternationalCooperation,Commitment,andPublicPrivatePartnerships
ImplementingthisStrategicPrioritywillusediplomacytomobilizeglobalsupportfor,

ThisPlanisnotintendedto,anddoesnot,createanyrightorbenefit,substantiveorprocedural,enforceableat
laworinequitybyanypartyagainsttheUnitedStates,itsdepartments,agenciesorentities,itsofficers,
employees,oragents,oranyotherperson.Nothinginthisplanshallbeconstruedtoimpairorotherwiseaffectthe
functionsoftheDirectoroftheOfficeofManagementandBudgetrelatingbudgetary,administrative,regulatory,
andlegislativeproposals.

2
Subjecttoavailableresources,alldepartmentsandagenciesshouldgivethisguidancespecialconsiderationwhen
reviewingtheirplans,programs,andbudgetsforimplementationoftheStrategy.

andencourageactiveparticipationofpartnersin,thefightagainstwildlifetrafficking,
committostrengtheningimplementationofinternationalagreementsthatprotect
wildlife,andbuildpartnershipstodevelopandimplementinnovativeandeffective
approachestocombatingthiscrime.

TheimplementationofeachStrategicPriorityisdetailedthroughspecificobjectivesandsteps
supportedbyprogramsoverseenbytheFederalentitiesthatcomprisethePresidentialTask
ForceonWildlifeTrafficking(TaskForce)establishedbyExecutiveOrder(EO)13648(July5,
2013).Severalareasofimplementationsupportmorethanonelineofeffortandaretherefore
notrepeatedbutareconsideredcomplementaryactivities.ThisPlanhasbenefitedgreatly
fromthedetailedandhelpfulrecommendationsreceivedfromtheAdvisoryCouncilonWildlife
Trafficking,aswellasfromotherentitiesandindividuals.

Wehavebegunworktowardimplementingeachoftheobjectivesidentifiedbelow,realizing
eachonewillrequireasignificantandsustainedcommitmentoverthelongterm.Thestepsset
forthincorporatevariouswaystomeasureourprogress.Someofthesestepsrequirediscrete
actionsthatcanbeassessedreadily,whileothersinvolveongoingeffortsthatwillrequiremore
nuancedevaluativetoolsthatmayneedtobedeveloped.ThePlanssuccessreliesonagencies
workinginconcerttocarryouttheobjectivesandstepsdetailedbelow,withinavailable
resources.Individualagencieswillundertakeactivitiesinconsultationwithinteragency
partnersasappropriate,andwhereverpossible,conductactivitiesjointlywithpartneragencies.

Wewillcontinuallyevaluateourprogress,bothbyassessingtheextenttowhichweareableto
achievethespecificobjectivesidentifiedhereandbylookingmorebroadlyattheeffectiveness
oftheseobjectivestowardourstrategicprioritiesandtheultimategoalofendingwildlife
trafficking.Robustandeffectiveenforcementofwildlifetraffickinglawsathomeandabroad,
measurablyreducedpoachingandothertraffickinginwildlife,andincreasesinwildlife
populationswillprovideoverarchingmeasuresofoureffortstocombatwildlifetrafficking.The
TaskForceagencieswillmeetregularlytoassessprogresstowardtheseobjectives,withthe
leadagenciesresponsibleforensuringthatprogressremainsontrackforeachobjective.The
TaskForcewillprepareandmakepublicprogressassessmentsonanannualbasis.

Additionally,theplantoimplementtheStrategywillbeinformedbythebreadthofthewildlife
traffickingcrisis,whichcontinuestogrowatanalarmingrate.Thisincreasingcrisisposesa
seriousandurgentthreattoconservationandglobalsecurity.Criminalnetworks,corrupt
foreignofficials,andotherbadactorsprofitfromthispernicioustrade,underminingeconomic
developmentandtheruleoflaw.Wildlifetraffickingthreatensastaggeringarrayofterrestrial,
freshwater,andmarinespecies,includingbutnotlimitedto:elephants,rhinos,tigers,sharks,
2

tuna,seaturtles,landtortoises,greatapes,exoticbirds,pangolins,sturgeon,coral,iguanas,
chameleons,andtarantulas.Thescourgeofwildlifetraffickingalsoencompassestraffickingof
fisheriesproductsandrelatedthreatstofoodsuppliesandfoodsecurity.Itisalsowell
establishedthatwildlifetraffickingisfacilitatedandexacerbatedbyillegalharvestofandtrade
inplantsandtrees,whichdestroysneededhabitatandopensaccesstopreviouslyremote
populationsofhighlyendangeredwildlife,suchastigers.

Responsestothiscrisis,andimplementationoftheStrategy,mustthereforetakeinto
considerationthefullrangeofaffectedspecies,bothterrestrialandmarine,andillegalactions
threateningtheirhabitat.

TableofContents
Overview.................................................................................................................................1
GuidingPrinciples....................................................................................................................5
StrengthenEnforcement.........................................................................................................6
U.S.DomesticEnforcement......................................................................................................................6
AssessandStrengthenLegalAuthorities..............................................................................................6
UseAdministrativeToolstoQuicklyAddressCurrentPoachingCrisis.................................................7
StrengthenInterdictionandInvestigativeEfforts................................................................................8
PrioritizeWildlifeTraffickingAcrossU.S.EnforcementAgencies........................................................9
EnhanceCoordinationAmongandBetweenEnforcementandIntelligenceAgencies......................10
TaketheProfitOutofWildlifeTrafficking..........................................................................................11
GlobalEnforcement................................................................................................................................12
SupportGovernmentsinBuildingCapacity........................................................................................12
SupportCommunityBasedWildlifeConservation.............................................................................14
SupportDevelopmentandUseofEffectiveTechnologiesandAnalyticalTools................................15
EnhanceInformationSharingwithInternationalPartners.................................................................16
ParticipateinMultinationalEnforcementOperations.......................................................................17
SupporttheDevelopmentofanEffectiveWorldwideNetworkofWildlifeEnforcementNetworks
(WENs)................................................................................................................................................18
AddressWildlifeTraffickinginFightingOtherTransnationalOrganizedCrime.................................18
FocusonCorruptionandIllicitFinancialFlows...................................................................................19

ReduceDemandforIllegallyTradedWildlife.........................................................................21
RaisePublicAwarenessandChangeBehavior...................................................................................21
BuildPartnershipstoReduceDomesticDemand...............................................................................22
PromoteDemandReductionEffortsGlobally....................................................................................23

ExpandInternationalCooperationandCommitment............................................................25
UseDiplomacytoCatalyzePoliticalWill(multilateral).......................................................................25
StrengthenInternationalAgreementsandArrangementsthatProtectWildlife...............................25
UseExistingandFutureTradeAgreementsandInitiativestoProtectWildlife.................................26
IncorporateProvisionstoProtectWildlifeinOtherInternationalAgreements.................................27
CooperatewithOtherGovernments(Bilateralandregional)............................................................28
PromoteEffectivePartnerships..........................................................................................................29
EncourageDevelopmentofInnovativeApproaches..........................................................................30
4

GuidingPrinciples

ImplementationoftheStrategyunderthisPlanisintendedtobe,andshouldbe,carriedoutin
amannerfaithfultotheguidingprinciplessetforthintheStrategy:

MarshalFederalResourcesforCombatingWildlifeTraffickingbyelevatingthisissueas
acoremissionofallrelevantexecutivebranchagenciesanddepartmentsandensuring
effectivecoordinationacrossourgovernment.

UseResourcesStrategicallybyidentifyingcommonprioritiesandstrategicapproaches
andbycoordinatingandharmonizingfundingandprogramsacrossagenciesto
maximizestrategicimpactandminimizeduplicationofefforts.

ImprovetheQualityofAvailableInformationbydevelopingandusinginnovativeand
sciencebasedtoolstogatherandappropriatelysharetheinformationneededtofight
wildlifetraffickingandtoassessandimproveourandourpartnersefforts.

ConsiderAllLinksoftheIllegalTradeChainindevelopingandevaluatingstrategiesto
establishstrongandeffectivelongtermsolutionsthataddressallaspectsofwildlife
trafficking,frompoachingandtransitthroughconsumeruse.

StrengthenRelationshipsandPartnershipswiththemanypublicandprivatepartners
whoshareourcommitmentandourbeliefthatcontinuedcoordinationamongnations,
aswellaswithnongovernmentalorganizationsandtheprivatesector,arekeyto
stoppingwildlifetrafficking.

StrengthenEnforcement

Tocombatthedeepeningglobalwildlifetraffickingcrisis,allcountriesmusthavearobustlegal
frameworkaswellastheinvestigative,lawenforcement,andjudicialcapacitytorespondeffectively
topoachingandwildlifetrafficking,todisruptwildlifetraffickingnetworks,toprosecutetraffickers,to
seizeandforfeittheproceedsofthecrimes,andtodeterandpreventothersfromcommittingsuch
crimes.ImplementingthisportionoftheStrategywillrequireimprovingeffortsintheUnitedStates
toenforcelawsprohibitingwildlifetrafficking,improvingglobalenforcementeffortsbysupporting
partnercountriesastheybuildtheirenforcementcapacity,andworkingwithforeignand
internationalpartnersoncrossborderenforcementoperationsandothercooperativeefforts.

U.S.DomesticEnforcement

AssessandStrengthenLegalAuthorities
Objective:Allappropriateenforcementauthoritiesandtoolsareavailabletodeterwildlife
traffickersandfightwildlifetraffickingcrimesmoreeffectively.

NextSteps:
Analyzeandassesslegalauthoritiesusedtodeter,investigate,andprosecutewildlife
trafficking,aswellasothertypesoftrafficking,associatedmoneylaundering,and
relatedcrimes,todetermineobstaclesandgapsthatimpedesuccessfulinvestigation
andprosecutionandadditionaltoolsthatcanbeused.
Consultwithenforcementauthoritiesofforeignpartnerstoidentifyanyadditionallegal
toolsorauthoritiesthatcouldbeeffectivelyadoptedoradaptedintheUnitedStates.
EvaluateanddeveloplegislativeproposalsandworkwithCongresstoenactlegislation
tostrengthenauthoritiesandtoolstoinvestigate,deter,andprosecutewildlife
traffickingcrimes,includinglegislationthatrecognizeswildlifetraffickingcrimesas
predicateoffensesformoneylaundering.
Examinenonlegislativeaction,includingexecutiveactions,toaddresswildlifetrafficking
andrelatedcrimes.
Reviseforfeitureregulationsandstreamlineforfeitureappealprocedurestoclarifyand
improvetheprocessingofunlawfulimportedwildlife.
Assesswhethersentencingguidelinesapplicabletowildlifetraffickingcrimesprovide
appropriatedeterrenceandadequatelyreflectsocietysincreasedappreciationofharms
donebysuchcrimes.
Onanongoingbasis,reviewdevelopmentsandchangesandcontinuetoevaluateneed
foradditionallegaltoolsandauthorities.
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MeasuringProgress:
PresidentObamasignedtheMultinationalSpeciesConservationFundsSemipostal
StampReauthorizationActintolawonSeptember19,2014,providingfortheSave
VanishingSpeciesStamptobesoldtosupportconservationeffortsonceagain.
Introductionoflegislationtostrengthenwildlifetraffickingauthorities;S.27,Wildlife
TraffickingEnforcementActof2015,introducedJanuary8,2015.
Administrationlegislativeproposal(s)developedin2015.
EnactmentbyCongressoflegislationthatstrengthenswildlifetraffickingauthorities.
Assessmentoflegalauthoritiesandidentificationandimplementationofadditional
legaltoolswillbeevaluatedonanongoingbasis.

LeadAgencies:DOJ,DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA
ParticipatingAgencies:DHS,USDA/APHIS,USDA/FS

UseAdministrativeToolstoQuicklyAddressCurrentPoachingCrisis
Objective:AneartotalU.S.banonelephantivoryandrhinohorntrade.

NextSteps:
Eliminatebroadadministrativeexceptionstothe1989AfricanElephantConservation
Act(AECA)moratoriumtoprohibitcommercialimportofantiqueivory.
Clarifythedefinitionofantique,andimprovepublicunderstandingofthecriteriathat
mustbemetforanitemtoqualifyasanantique,undertheEndangeredSpeciesAct
(ESA).
RevisetheESAAfricanelephantspecial(4d)rule(50CFR17.40(e))thatallowsAfrican
elephantivorytobetradedinwaysthatwouldotherwisebeprohibitedbytheESA.
Reaffirm,clarifyandimprovepublicunderstandingoftheuseafterimportprovisions
inU.S.ConventiononInternationalTradeinEndangeredSpeciesofWildFaunaand
Flora(CITES)regulations,inordertoreducesales,includingintrastatesales,ofAfrican
elephantivory,rhinoceroshorn,andotherwildlifeandwildlifeproductsthatwere
importedfornoncommercialpurposesonly.
Limitthenumberofelephantsporthuntedtrophiesthatanindividualcanimport,which
mustbeobtainedandimportedconsistentwithnationalconservationlaws,regulations,
policies,andinternationaltreatyobligations.

MeasuringProgress:
EliminatedbroadadministrativeexceptionstoAECAmoratoriumandclarified
applicationofESAdefinitionofantiquethroughissuanceandimplementationofFish
andWildlifeServiceDirectorsOrderNo.210,completedFebruary25,2014.
Addresseduseafterimportprovisionsthroughpublicationandimplementationof
finalrulerevisingU.S.CITESimplementingregulations,effectiveJune26,2014.
PublicationofproposedandfinalrulesrevisingtheESAAfricanelephantspecial(4d)
rule.

LeadAgency:DOI/FWS
ParticipatingAgencies:DOJ,DOC/NOAA,DHS,USTR

StrengthenInterdictionandInvestigativeEfforts
Objective:Enforcementeffortsarestrengthenedbycommittingenforcementresourcesina
strategicallycoordinatedandtargetedmannertodisruptwildlifetraffickingnetworks.

NextSteps:
DeployU.S.Fish&WildlifeService(FWS)investigativeagentsoverseastonewpostsin
highwildlifesourceregionstofacilitatedevelopmentoftraffickingcases.
UseU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)personneloverseasinhighplantandtimber
sourceregionstosupportcasesinvolvingtimbertrafficking,whichfacilitatesand
exacerbateswildlifetrafficking.
BuildwildlifeandfisheriescrimeexpertiseandinvestigativecapabilityintheUnited
StatestoaddressU.S.roleinglobaltrafficking,includingexpertisewithintheU.S.
Governmentaswellasthroughpartnershipswithknowledgeableandappropriate
organizations.
ProvidetrainingasneededandappropriateforFWS,NationalOceanicandAtmospheric
Administration(NOAA),andUSDAenforcementpersonnelincomplexinvestigations,
includinginternationalmatters,financialissues,andcomputerforensics.
UtilizeandpromotetheuseofexistingcustomsandfinancialauthoritiesofDepartment
ofHomelandSecurity(DHS)ImmigrationandCustomsEnforcement(ICE)investigators
domesticallyandoverseastofacilitatethedevelopmentoftraffickingcases.
Increaseprosecutorialcapacitytosupportwildlifetraffickinginvestigationsandconduct
prosecutions.
DedicateattorneysatU.S.DepartmentoftheInterior(DOI)toassistFWSwithciviland
administrativeenforcementofwildlifelaws.
ProvideprosecutorialcoordinationandsupportfornewlydeployedoverseasFWS
enforcementofficersandotherU.S.enforcementpersonnelstationedoverseas.
8

Improvethecapacityofwildlifelawenforcementagencies,forensicscience
laboratories,andcomputerforensicunits.
Institutionalizetraininganddevelopsupportingmaterialsoninterdictingand
investigatingwildlifetraffickingtosupportdomesticprosecutionsandinternational
effortsaspartofcorecurriculumforrelevantfederalpersonneldeployedabroad,
includingbutnotlimitedtoFederalBureauofInvestigation(FBI)LegalAttachs,Drug
EnforcementAdministration(DEA)agents,InternationalCriminalInvestigativeTraining
AssistanceProgram(ICITAP)LawEnforcementAdvisors,OfficeofOverseasProsecutorial
Development,Assistance,andTraining(OPDAT)ResidentLegalAdvisors;TreasuryOffice
ofTechnicalAssistance(OTA)Advisors,StateDepartmentEnvironment,Science,
Technology,andHealthOfficers,andothersstationedatrelevantposts;andoverseas
basedenforcementpersonnelatDHS.

MeasuringProgress:
Attachsposted.
Trainingdevelopedandinstitutionalized.
Wildlifetraffickingenforcementandprosecutorialcapacityenhanced.
Increasedinteragencysupportforinvestigations,includingfromoverseaspersonnel,
andmultiagencyinvestigationsundertaken.

LeadAgencies:DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA
ParticipatingAgencies:DHS,USDA/FS,USDA/OIG,DOJ,TREAS/OTA

PrioritizeWildlifeTraffickingAcrossU.S.EnforcementAgencies
Objective:Improvedinteragencycooperationandcapacitytodetect,interdictandinvestigate
wildlifetrafficking.

NextSteps:
Identifyspecificroles,responsibilities,authorities,andcapabilitiesofrelevant
enforcementagencies.
Integrateotheragencyexpertiseinnewandongoingwildlifetraffickingandrelated
investigationsledbyFWS,NOAA,and/orUSDA.
Developorupdatememorandaofunderstandingamongenforcementagenciesas
neededtoclarifyrolesandenhanceabilitytocoordinate.
Institutionalizetrainingoninterdictingwildlifetraffickingaspartofcorecurriculumfor
trainingofU.S.CustomsandBorderProtection(CBP)officers.
Assesstheneedandopportunityfortrainingonwildlifetraffickingforstateandtribal
enforcement,prosecutionandjudicialpersonnel,andconducttrainingasappropriate.
9

Assesstheneedandopportunityfortrainingonwildlifetraffickinginvestigationsfor
federalenforcementpersonnelatagenciesthathavenottraditionallyinvestigated
wildlifetrafficking,andconducttrainingasappropriate.
EnhancewildlifetraffickinginterdictionandinvestigativecapabilitiesbyintegratingFWS
andNOAApersonnelintotheCommercialTargetingandAnalysisCenter(CTAC),CBP
NationalTargetingCenter,andothercriminalfusioncentersandtargetingandanalysis
centersasappropriate.
FWS,NOAA,andUSDA/FS(domesticcases)toorganizeandleadtaskforcescomprised
offederal,state,andtribalinvestigativeunitstotargetwildlifeandtimbertrafficking
networksorillegalfisheriesoperations.
Identifyenforcementpartnerswillingtoprovidefinancialinvestigativesupportand
internationalfinancialflowsanalysistoassistinincreasedtargetingintelligence.
DevelopandprovidetrainingforU.S.AttorneysOfficesonmethodsandimportanceof
prosecutingwildlifetraffickingcrimes.
Workwiththefederaljudiciarytodevelopandprovidetrainingonsignificanceof
wildlifetraffickingcrime,includingfinancialimpactandlossofspecies.
CreateandimplementUSDAAnimalandPlantHealthInspectionService(APHIS)
complianceprogramtosupportenforcementofthe2008LaceyActamendments
pertainingtotheimportationofplantsandplantproducts.

MeasuringProgress:
MemorandaofUnderstanding(MOUs)developed.
Increasedmultiagencyinvestigationsundertaken.
Newtaskforcesestablished.
Increasedinteragencytrainingactivitiesundertaken.

LeadAgencies:DOJ,DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA
ParticipatingAgencies:DHS,USDA/APHIS,USDA/FS,USDA/OIG

EnhanceCoordinationAmongandBetweenEnforcementandIntelligenceAgencies
Objective:Increasedcoordinationandinformationsharingamonglawenforcementand
intelligenceagenciesenhancestheeffectivenessofFederaleffortstocombatwildlife
trafficking.

NextSteps:
Enhancetimelyinformationsharingbetweenwildlifetraffickinglawenforcement
agenciesandintelligenceagencies.
10

UsetheInternationalTradeDataSystem(ITDS)BoardofDirectors,BorderInteragency
ExecutiveCouncil(BIEC),andotherexistingbodiestoidentifyexistingbarriersto
implementationoftheITDSandotherprojectsaimedatmakingU.S.import/exportdata
availabletoallrelevantlawenforcementagenciesforresearch,analysis,andusein
identifyingandseizingillegalwildlifeshipments.
Provideoutreachandtrainingonwildlifetraffickingtointelligencegatheringagencies.
Coordinatewiththeintelligencecommunitytoprioritizewildlifetraffickingissuesas
alignedwithnationalsecurityissuesandstrengthencapacityofintelligencegathering
effortsonwildlifetraffickingandrelatedissues.
Institutionalizemechanismsforsharingintelligencecommunityinformationwithlaw
enforcementagencies.

MeasuringProgress:
AppropriateU.S.import/exportdatamadeavailabletorelevantagenciesfor
investigativepurposes.
Increasedinformationsharingcapabilities.
Intelligencegatheringandanalysiscapacityincreased.
Wildlifetraffickingrelatedintelligencegatheringprioritizedandcrossagencyefforts
increased.

LeadAgencies:DOJ,DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA,ODNI,DHS
ParticipatingAgencies:USDA/OIG,TREAS

TaketheProfitOutofWildlifeTrafficking
Objective:Increasetheriskanddisincentivesforwildlifetraffickingcrimestodetertraffickers
anddirectillicitproceedsfromwildlifetraffickingtotheconservationandprotectionofwildlife.

NextSteps:
Increaseandfurtherinstitutionalizeuseofexistingtoolstotargettheassetsofwildlife
traffickersandwildlifetraffickingnetworks,including:administrative,civil,andcriminal
finesandpenalties;communityservicepayments;forfeiture;andrestitution.
Usetools,whenappropriate,thatwilldirectfundstakenfromwildlifetraffickersbackto
conservationeffortstoprotectthewildlifeharmedbythosetraffickers.
Developawrittentoolkitand/orotherguidanceforinvestigatorsandprosecutorson
toolsthatcanbeusedtotargettheassetsandfinancialnetworksofwildlifetraffickers,
includinghowbesttodevelopcasestousethesetools.
DevelopwrittenguidanceforoverseasU.S.personneland/orforeignpartnersonuseof
suchtoolsininternationalcontexttosupportwildlifetraffickingprosecutions.
11

WorkwithCongresstoobtainauthoritytoforfeittheproceedsofwildlifetrafficking
crimes,regardlessofwhetherothercrimesareinvolved;anddirectfundsgenerated
throughwildlifetraffickingenforcementeffortstoconservationandwildlifeprotection.
Developabetterunderstandingofwildlifetraffickingfinancialnetworksandbusiness
operations(e.g.,profitabilityofvarioustypesoftrafficking,financialinstitutionsused,
etc.).
CoordinatewiththeOrganizationforEconomicCooperationandDevelopment(OECD)
TaskForceonChartingIllicitTradewithrespecttoitsmappingofnetworksengagedin
wildlifetrafficking.
Onanongoingbasis,evaluatetheadequacyoffines,penalties,andamountsgenerated
throughforfeitureandrestitutionto(a)preventwildlifetraffickersfromprofitingfrom
theircrimes;(b)deterwildlifetraffickers;and(c)encouragerangestatestocombat
wildlifetraffickingandsupportenforcementoperations.
Developmethodologytotrackfundsgeneratedfrompenaltiesandforfeituresthrough
alltypesoffederalwildlifetraffickingenforcement(includingadministrative,civil,and
criminal)andpublicizesuchinformationfordeterrentpurposes.

MeasuringProgress:
Newtoolstotargetassetsandentitieslinkedtowildlifetraffickingidentifiedand/or
developed.
Fundsgeneratedthroughenforcementeffortsincreasinglydevotedtopriority
conservationefforts.
Finesandpenaltiesforwildlifetraffickingandrelatedcrimesevaluated.
Developmentanduseoftrackingsystemforfundsgeneratedthroughenforcement.

LeadAgencies:TREAS,DOI/FWS,DOJ,DOC/NOAA,DOS
ParticipatingAgencies:USDA/FS,USDA/APHIS,USDA/OIG,OMB,DHS,USAID

GlobalEnforcement

SupportGovernmentsinBuildingCapacity
Objective:TheUnitedStatesusesawholeofgovernmentapproachtosupportforeign
governmentsinrange,transit,andconsumercountriesaffectedbywildlifetraffickingin
buildingtheircapacitytoaddresstheillicitwildlifetraffickingchainatallcriticalstagesof
enforcementfromthedevelopmentandimplementationofstrongandeffectivelegal
authorities,throughantipoachingandonthegroundenforcementtointerdictionand
investigation,buildingstrongprosecutions,andgettingappropriatepenaltiesanddeterrence.

12

NextSteps:
Workwithrelevantgovernmentstoidentifymosturgentpriorityneedsforimmediate
capacitybuildingsupportandpartnerships.
Providesupportandtechnicalassistanceforstrengtheningforeignlawsprohibiting
wildlifetraffickingandrelatedconduct.
Workwithindividualcountriestoassessandremedygapsinexistingenforcementtools
andlegalauthorities,soastoharmonizewithtoolsandauthoritiesaddressingillegal
firearms,drugs,andhumantrafficking.
Encourageandoperationallysupportregionalcoordinationofenforcementauthorities
todeter,apprehend,andprosecutepoachersandtraffickersconsistentlyamong
neighboringnations.
Identifyandsupportkeypartnersthatassistforeigngovernmentsinapplyingthelawin
nationalparksandotherwildlifeareas,includingenforcementmonitoringandanti
poachingeffortsontheground,aswellasenforcingthelawthroughaneffectivelegal
system.
InconcertwiththeCITESSecretariatandotherpartners,providesupportandtechnical
assistancetoensurethatCITESPartieshaveappropriatedomesticmeasuresinplaceto
implementthetreatyeffectively,includingbydeterringillegaltrade,confiscatingand
appropriatelydisposingofillegallytradedspecimens,prosecutingviolations,and
forfeitingillicitproceeds.
Workwithkeycountriestoassesstrainingresourcesandtobuildinspection,
investigative,forensic,prosecutorialandjudicialcapacitythroughtrainingandtechnical
support.
PromotesharingofforfeitedassetswithforeigngovernmentsthatassisttheUnited
Statesinwildlifetraffickingenforcementactivities,whereitwouldcontributeto
buildingglobalcapacityforwildlifetraffickingenforcement.
Identifyandfocusonopportunitiestoinstitutionalizeandincentivizetrainingand
curriculawithinexistingregionalandcountryspecifictrainingprograms,institutions,
anduniversities.
ProvidetrainingatNationalConservationTrainingCenterforupperlevelconservation
lawenforcementmanagersofcountriesinvolvedinfightingwildlifetrafficking,examine
whetherotherU.S.basedinstitutionsandmechanisms(e.g.,theFederalLaw
EnforcementTrainingCenter,theNationalAdvocacyCenter,andfellowshipsand
exchangeswithU.S.lawenforcementagencies)couldbeusedeffectivelytotrainforeign
enforcementpersonnelandprosecutors.
Promotereformstosupportpropermanagementofnaturalresourcesandimprove
professionalismofwildlifeenforcementagents,rangersandparkguardsinkey
countries.
13

MeasuringProgress:
Supportandtechnicalassistanceprovided.
Legalregimesstrengthenedandenforcementincreasedinkeywildlifesource,transit
andconsumercountries.
Trainingtoolsandprogramsevaluatedanddeveloped.

LeadAgencies:DOS,DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA,USAID
ParticipatingAgencies:DOJ,DHS,USDA/FS,USDA/OIG,TREAS,DOD,USTR

SupportCommunityBasedWildlifeConservation
Objective:Supporteffortstoworkwithlocalcommunitiestoprotectwildlifeandprevent
wildlifetrafficking.

NextSteps:TheLeadandParticipatingAgencieswilldeployseveralmeasurestoachievethis
objective,including:
AssesscurrentU.S.Governmentsupporttocommunitybasedwildlifeconservationand
comparetokeysourceareasfortraffickedwildlife(e.g.,elephants,rhinos,pangolins,
marineturtles);identifygapsandopportunitiesforscalingupandcoordinationof
communitybasedefforts,takingintoaccountsupportfromgovernmentandother
donors.
Workwithlocalcommunitiestostrengthenreportingofpoachingandothertrafficking
activityandcreatesupportforconservingwildlife,includingthroughworktostrengthen
orcreateeconomicincentivesforlocalcommunitiestoprotectwildlife.
Workwithlocalcommunitiestodevelopsecuremethodsofsharinginformationwith
enforcementofficials.
Encourageandsupportlocalcommunityrangerassociationstolink,asappropriate,with
wildlifeprotectionauthorities.
Supportthefurtherdevelopmentofcommunitybasedconservationinitiativesinkey
wildlifecorridorsandotherareaswherepoachingoccursorislikely.Effortsshould
focusonareaswheregovernancestructuresexistorcanbedevelopedtosupport
communitybasedconservationwitheconomicandsocialincentivesforlocal
communities.
IncreasecoordinationamongU.S.Governmentagenciesincountry(including
enforcementagencies)withafocusonhowcommunitybasedeffortscanfurther
supportenforcement.

14

MeasuringProgress:
Communitybasedconservationrangereffortsandefficacyevaluated.
Communitybasedconservationrangerandscouteffortsincreasedandscaledupin
targetwildlifeareas.
Capacityofresourcemanagers,rangers,andscoutsincreased.

LeadAgencies:USAID,DOC/NOAA
ParticipatingAgencies:DOS,DOI/FWS,DOJ,DHS

SupportDevelopmentandUseofEffectiveTechnologiesandAnalyticalTools
Objective:Costeffectiveanalytictoolsandtechnologicalsolutionsaredevelopedandbroadly
disseminatedtosupportwildlifetraffickinginvestigationsandprosecutions.

NextSteps:
Deployacoordinatedapproachtodevelopingandusingexistingandadvanced
technologiestocombatillegalwildlifetrafficking.
Encouragethedevelopmentofnewtechnologiestoidentifypoachinghotspotsand
transitroutesusedbytraffickers(throughGeographicInformationSystemandother
tools),anduseinformationtodirectandevaluateeffectivenessofantipoachingand
otherantitraffickingefforts.
Improvemethodsandcapacityforcustoms,border,andinvestigativepersonnelto
detectandidentifyillegallytradedwildlife,includingspecies,product,age,andorigin
identification,particularlyinAfricaandAsia.
Assessneedsandopportunitiesfordetectiondogsatkeyinterdictionandinvestigation
points,andsupporttheimplementationofbestpracticeswhereappropriate.
Supportforensicresearchintospeciesidentificationanddevelopmentofinternational
wildlifeforensicstandardsandmethods,withagoalofensuringtheaccuracy,
credibility,andadmissibilityofscientificexpertopinion,testimony,andevidence.
Fosterexchangeprogramsandinternshipstobuildinternationalforensiccapacity.
Supportthedevelopmentofcosteffectivetoolstoidentifymorecomprehensivelylegal
andillegalseafoodproducts.
Improvetrackingofthewildlifetraffickingsupplychainthroughtechnicalcooperation
withothergovernmentsectors.
Pursuestrategiesandmethodstoinvestigateinternetbasedactivitiesrelatedtothe
sellingandpurchasingofillegalwildlifeproducts.

MeasuringProgress:
Newinspectionandinterdictiontechnologiesdevelopedandapplied.
15

Forensictools,capacity,andnetworksdeveloped.

LeadAgencies:DOI/FWS,USAID,DOC/NOAA,USDA/FS
ParticipatingAgencies:DOS,DHS,DOJ,USDA/OIG

EnhanceInformationSharingwithInternationalPartners
Objective:Enhanceintelligenceinformationsharingcapabilitieswithinternationalpartnersto
disruptwildlifetraffickingnetworksandimprovelawenforcementcapabilities.

NextSteps:
Identifyexistinginformationsharingnetworksormechanismsaswellasgapsandareas
whereadditionalnetworksormechanismsareneeded.
Shareinformationandpromotetransparencyonfinancialnetworksthatlinksource,
transit,anddemandcountries,particularlythosenetworksthatposethegreatestthreat
toU.S.nationalsecurityinterests.
Collectandshareinformation,consistentwithdomesticlaw,ontransnationalcriminal
organizations,terroristentities,securitypersonnel,corruptofficials,financiers,and
otherindividualsandentitiesworldwidethatfacilitateillegalwildlifetrade.
Supportpartnercountriesinbuildingtheircapacitytocollect,analyze,andmanage
information,particularlyforintelligence,forensic,investigative,assetrecovery,and
prosecutorialpurposes.
Identifyandsupportpartnerswhoassistgovernmentstocompileandsynthesize
informationfromthefieldonwildlifetraffickingandrelatedmortality.
Promotetransparencyandaccountabilityamongregional,multilateral,and
intergovernmentalenforcemententitiesbymonitoringtheprosecutorialsystemfrom
announcedseizuresandarrests,throughprosecution,sentencingandpostsentencing
outcomes(e.g.forfeiture,incarceration,probation,etc.).
Useopensourceintelligence,suchasthroughtheDirectorofNationalIntelligences
OpenSourceCenter,toidentifyindividualsorotherentitieslinkedtoillegalwildlife
trafficking.
Promotesecureandappropriateinformationsharingamongcountriescombating
wildlifetrafficking,betweenWildlifeEnforcementNetworks(WENs)andentitiessuchas
theInternationalConsortiumonCombatingWildlifeCrime(ICCWC).
EncouragecountriescustomsagenciestoutilizetheWorldCustomsOrganization
CustomsEnforcementNetwork(WCOCEN)systemforreportingwildlifeseizures.
Supportmultilateralseniorlawenforcementexchangestopromotethesharingoflaw
enforcementintelligenceandenhancecooperationagainstwildlifetraffickingnetworks.

16

MeasuringProgress:
Increasedinformationsharingonfinancialnetworks,wildlifetraffickingroutes,etc.
Informationsharingcapacityincreased,includingthroughnewandexistingnetworks
andinformationcenters.

LeadAgencies:DOS,DOI/FWS,USAID
ParticipatingAgencies:ODNI,DOS,DHS,DOC/NOAA,DOJ,USDA/FS,USDA/OIG,TREAS,DOD

ParticipateinMultinationalEnforcementOperations
Objective:Encourageanddevelopbiandmultilateralenforcementoperationstargeting
exportsfromhighvolumeandhighconservationvaluesourceregions.
NextSteps:
DeployanduseoverseasU.S.Governmentenforcementandlegalpersonnel
(e.g.,FWS,DHSICE,DOJ)toincreasecooperationwith,andsupportfor,regionalWENs
andotherinternationalwildlifeenforcementeffortstofacilitatetraffickingcases,
enhanceenforcementoperations,andimprovecountrytocountrycommunicationand
cooperation.
PromoteorganizationofandparticipationbyU.S.Governmentagencies(e.g.,FWS,
DHSICE,andDHSCBP)inbilateralandmultilateralenforcementoperationstargeting
specificwildlifetraffickingnetworks,witheffortsfocusedonsoutheastAsia,Africa,and
CentralAmerica.
WorkwithrelevantInternationalCriminalPoliceOrganization(INTERPOL)working
groups(WildlifeandFisheries)todevelopandsupportglobalprojectsandparticular
globalenforcementoperations.
PromoteincreaseduseofINTERPOLI/24securecommunicationsystembetweenthe
U.S.NationalCentralBureau(NCB)inWashingtonandthe190membersofINTERPOL.
SupportdevelopmentofanINTERPOLNationalEnvironmentalStrategicTeam(NEST)in
theNCB.
CoordinatewithINTERPOLRegionalOperationalCentersfocusedonwildlifetrafficking.

MeasuringProgress:
USGoverseaspersonnelsupportingenforcementefforts.
WEN,bilateral,andothermultilateralcooperationincreased.

LeadAgencies:DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA,DHS
ParticipatingAgencies:DOJ,DOS,USAID,USDA/OIG

17

SupporttheDevelopmentofanEffectiveWorldwideNetworkofWildlifeEnforcement
Networks(WENs)
Objective:ContinuetosupportthedevelopmentandoperationofeffectiveregionalWENs,
andworktopromotegreatercooperationandsharingofinformationandintelligenceamong
WENswithinregions,withthegoalofdevelopingastrongandeffectivenetworkofWENs
worldwidethatleadtosuccessfulenforcementandprosecutions.

NextSteps:
SupportexistingWENsandassessoperationsinordertodeterminebestmanagement,
operational,andsustainabilitypracticesandcriticalweaknesses.
SupportdevelopmentofnewandemergingWENsinAfrica,Asia,SouthAmerica,the
Caribbean,andthePacificregion.
Encouragecommunication,coordinationandinformationsharingamongexistingand
emergingWENstofostermultilateralenforcementefforts.
GarnerfinancialandoperationalsupportforWENsandnationalenforcementtask
forceswithincountriesfromhostcountrygovernmentsandinstitutionsthrough
diplomaticmeans.
Increasebroadparticipationofallappropriateenforcementagenciesincurrentand
futurenationallevelWENs.
ProvidetrainingthroughWENsforinspectors,investigators,prosecutors,andjudges.
CollaboratewithgroupssuchasICCWC,aswellascivilsocietyandpublicentities,to
supportWENsmoreeffectivelyandtosharebestpracticesandtools.
PromotecollaborationbetweenWENsandnationalFinancialIntelligenceUnits.

MeasuringProgress:
FinancialandoperationalsupportforWENsexpanded.
CoordinationandcommunicationamongWENsincreased.
NewWENsestablished.

LeadAgencies:DOS,DOI/FWS,USAID
ParticipatingAgencies:DOJ,DOC/NOAA,DHS,TREAS,USTR

AddressWildlifeTraffickinginFightingOtherTransnationalOrganizedCrime
Objective:Applythetoolsdevelopedtofighttransnationalorganizedcrimetocounterthose
transnationalcriminalsyndicatesthattrafficinwildlife.Increasetheawarenessofwildlife
traffickingasaserious,organizedformofcriminalitybyU.S.Governmentagenciesinvolvedin
combatingtransnationalorganizedcrimemoregenerally.

18

NextSteps:
Developandinstitutionalizemechanismstocoordinateandsharetransnationalwildlife
traffickinginformationwiththeTransnationalOrganizedCrimes(TOC)Interagency
PolicyCommittee(IPC)onaddressingtransnationalwildlifetraffickingsyndicates.
CoordinatewiththeTOCIPCregardinghowbesttoaddresswildlifetraffickingthrough
implementationofTOCstrategy.
IdentifyanygapsintheabilitytouseTOCstrategytoolstocombatwildlifetrafficking
syndicates;developrecommendationsonhowtoaddressanysuchgaps.
UseExecutiveOrder13581BlockingPropertyofTransnationalCriminalOrganizations
(July25,2011),wheresufficientevidenceisavailable,tosanctionsignificant
transnationalcriminalorganizationsinvolvedinwildlifetrafficking.
UsetheTOCRewardsProgramtoassistingatheringinformationtodismantlesignificant
transnationalnetworksinvolvedinwildlifetrafficking.
ProvideinformationtotheTOCIPCtosupporttheirconsiderationofatransnational
criminalorganizationsinvolvementinwildlifetraffickingasafactorinidentifyingand
prioritizingtargetswithahighnationalsecurityrisk.

MeasuringProgress:
TOCIPCcoordinationandinformationsharingincreased.
Transnationalcriminalsyndicatestargeted.

LeadAgencies:DOS,TREAS,DOJ
ParticipatingAgencies:DOD,DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA,USAID,USDA/OIG,USDA/FS,DHS

FocusonCorruptionandIllicitFinancialFlows
Objective:Improvedpublicintegrityingovernmentofficialsandagencieschargedwith
protectingwildlifeandcontrollingtrade.

NextSteps:
Promotetheuseofexistingtools,reportsandapproachesfortransparencyand
accountabilitytoexposeandpreventcorruption.
Usehighleveldiplomaticengagementtobuildpoliticalwilltoaddresswildlife
traffickingrelatedcorruption.
Identifyforeignofficialsinkeycountrieswithcorruptrelationshipswithwildlife
traffickers,andtargettheirassetsforforfeitureandrepatriationtoaffected
governmentsasappropriate.
Urgeallcountriestobecomepartiesto,andimplement,theUnitedNationsConvention
againstCorruption(UNCAC)andtheUnitedNationsConventionagainstTransnational
19

OrganizedCrime(UNTOC)anduseUNTOCandUNCACtofacilitateinternational
cooperation.
Identifyprivatesectorcompaniesandotheractorsthatfacilitatethemovementof
wildlifeproductsandassessmechanismstotargettheirassets(includingplanes,bank
accounts,etc.)forseizureandforfeiture.
EvaluatetheapplicabilityoftheForeignCorruptPracticesAct(FCPA)totarget
businesseswhosecorruptpracticesfacilitatewildlifetraffickingand,iffeasible,pursue
cases.
CoordinatewithfederalandintergovernmentalagenciesaswellasNonGovernmental
Organizations(NGOs),academics,andresearchinstitutionsthatfocusoncorruptionto
developmodelsandmethodsforaddressingcorruptioninthewildlifetrafficking
context.
Identifyandtargetassetsandproceedsrelatedtowildlifetraffickingforseizureand
forfeitureduringtheinvestigationandthroughprosecution.
ProvidetechnicalassistancetotheFinancialActionTaskForce(FATF)styleRegional
Bodies(FSRBs)inAfricatodeveloptypologiesonwildlifecrime.
Shareinformationdomesticallyandwithinternationalpartners,asappropriate,to
investigatethefinancingoforganizedwildlifetraffickingactivities.
Leveragenationalthreatfinancecapabilitiesagainstwildlifetraffickingtargets.
ExplorehowtoolssuchasthePellyAmendmentcanbeusedmoreeffectivelytoaddress
wildlifetrafficking.

MeasuringProgress:
Corruptpublicandprivatesectorindividualsandtheirassociatedentitiesidentified.
Illicitproceedsandassetsrelatedtowildlifetraffickingseized.

LeadAgencies:TREAS,DOS,DOJ
ParticipatingAgencies:DOI/FWS,DHS,USDA/FS,DOC/NOAA,USAID,DOD

20

ReduceDemandforIllegallyTradedWildlife

Increasingantipoachingandantitraffickingenforcementeffortsalonewillnotbesufficienttostop
wildlifetrafficking;wemustworksimultaneouslytoaddressthepersistentmarketdemandthat
drivesthistrade.TheimplementationofthisportionoftheStrategyfocusesonreducingdemandfor
illegalwildlifeandwildlifeproductsthroughtargeted,evidencebasedapproachestochangingcritical
consumptionpatternsthatdrivewildlifetraffickingathomeandabroad.Reducingdemandisa
complexandlongtermendeavor.Themarketsforillegallytradedwildlifeexistfordifferentreasons
indifferentpartsoftheworldandsotheapproachesthatworkwellintheUnitedStatesmayfindless
successelsewhere;effectivestrategieswillneedtobetailoredtobecountryandspeciesspecific.

RaisePublicAwarenessandChangeBehavior
Objective:Raisepublicawarenessandrecognitionofwildlifetraffickinganditsnegative
impacts,andassociatedrisksofprosecution,asameanstochangeharmfulconsumption
patternsandeliminatethemarketforillegallytradedwildlifeandwildlifeproducts.

NextSteps:
Develop,implement,andsupportstrategiestargetingconsumersandsuppliersofillegal
wildlifeproductstoraisepublicawarenessandchangebehavior.
o Drawfromexpertiseofpublicandprivatesectors,civilsociety,andacademiato
identifybestpractices,methodologies,andcommunicationstrategiesthathave
demonstratedsuccessininfluencingconsumerbehaviorindemandandsource
countries.
o Engagecommunicationsexperts,includingsocialmarketingfirms,advertising
andpublicrelationsfirms,andconsumerresearchfirms,toinformsustained
awarenesseffortsinkeyareas.
o Investintargetedactionsandcampaignstocomplementandsupportkey
enforcementactions.
WorkwiththeNGOcommunityandprivatesector,includingthetransportationand
tourismsectorsandonlineretailers,toraiseawarenesswithintheirorganizationsas
wellasamongtheircustomers/audiences.
o Workwithecommercemarketplacestoeducateconsumersofthebroader
impactsandrisksofbuyingorsellingillegalwildlifeproducts,andworktoensure
thatecommerceplatformsarenotusedforthisillegaltrade.
o Workthroughsocialmediaplatformstoraiseawarenessamongsiteuserson
socialresponsibilityandhowcertainactionscancontributetotheexploitationof
protectedspeciesandspurincreaseddemand.
Engageothergovernmentsandtheprivatesectorinpublicawarenessraisingactivities.
21

o EncourageandcollaborateonthelaunchofPublicServiceAnnouncementsto
buildpublicawarenessabouttheimpactsofpoachingandillegaltradeonwild
populations,thesocialcosts,therisks,andthetransnationalorganizedcrime
involved.
o Encourageandcoordinateonpublicactivitiesandeventsthathighlightthe
issuesandengagenewaudiences.
ContinuetosupportandbuildoninitiativesinAfrica,Asia,andLatinAmericaandthe
Caribbeantoreducewildlifepoachingandillegaltradethroughmediacampaigns,
training,developingalternatelivelihoods,andcommunityorganizing.
Usepublicspacesathomeandabroad(includingconsularsectionsandairports)to
reachrelevantaudienceswitheducationalmaterialsandpublicserviceannouncements.

MeasuringProgress:
Communicationsandbehaviorchangeexpertsengagedtodevelopawarenessraising
campaignsin2015.
Newcampaignsdevelopedanddeployedandawarenessraisedinkeycountries.
Privatesectorandothercivilsocietyentitiesengagedindemandreductioncampaigns
andactions.

LeadAgencies:DOS,USAID,DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA
ParticipatingAgency:DOJ

BuildPartnershipstoReduceDomesticDemand
Objective:Strengthenpartnershipsandteammoreeffectivelywithkeysectorstoreduce
demandforillegallytradedwildlifeandwildlifeproductswithintheUnitedStates.

NextSteps:
Buildacoalitiontodevelopacorenationalpublicawarenesscampaignwiththemesthat
resonatewithkeystakeholders.
o Identifykeypartnersfromtheprivatesector,nongovernmentalorganizations,
andacademiawithproventrackrecordstohelpdevelopthenationalcampaign.
o Workwithkeypartnerstoassessthedomesticmarketforillegalwildlife
productsandidentifytargetaudiences.
o Usesurveys,focusgroups,andotherestablishedmethodologiestodevelop
messagingthatwillresonatewiththoseaudiences.
Developfocusedsubcampaignstotargetspecificaudiences,suchasdiasporagroups,as
appropriate.

22

o Identifykeychannelsintraditionalandnewmediathatwillreachthetarget
audiences.
o Launchnationalandsubcampaignsthroughmultiplemediaoutlets.
UsethecrushedivoryfromtheU.S.seizedivorystockpiletocreateeducational
installationsthroughouttheUnitedStatestobuildawarenessandreduceconsumer
demand.
Recruitthoughtleadersfromdiversesectorstobecomewildlifeambassadorsandhelp
spreadthemessageathomeandabroad.
DevelopcampaignsspecificallytargetingU.S.citizenstravelling,serving,andworking
overseastoeducatethemonU.S.lawsandensurethattheydonotinadvertently
contributetotheillegaltrade.
Promotemoredirectpublicengagement,suchastheSaveourVanishingSpeciesSemi
PostalStamp,whichprovidesthepublicanavenuetoparticipateinfinancinganti
traffickingactivities.

MeasuringProgress:
Nationalcampaignandtargetedsubcampaignslaunchedin2015.
Publicknowledgeexpandedandattitudeschangedasassessedbysurveys.
Consumerdemandreducedfortargetedspeciespermarketsurveys,seizuredata,etc.

LeadAgency:DOI/FWS
ParticipatingAgencies:DOS,DOD,DOC/NOAA

PromoteDemandReductionEffortsGlobally
Objective:Worktoeliminatethemarketforillegallytradedwildlifeinkeyconsumercountries
andregions.

NextSteps:
AnalyzeandevaluatetheeffectivenessofcurrentU.S.Governmentsupportedwildlife
demandreductionefforts.
Assessbestpractices,effectiveapproaches,androbustmethodologiesindemand
reductionandchangingconsumptionpatternsdrawingonexpertisefromavarietyof
sectors.
Basedontheoutcomesofthefirsttwoactivities,buildthecapacityofU.S.Government
andforeigncounterpartstoimprovetheeffectivenessofdemandreductionefforts.
Engageforeigngovernmentstoleadindemonstratingdemandreductionthrough
eliminatinguseofillegallytradedwildlifeandwildlifeproductsinconnectionwith
officialfunctions.
23

Workwiththeprivatesectorandcivilsocietyinkeyconsumercountriestochange
wildlifeconsumptionpatternsinrelevantcommunities.
Engageandcoordinatewiththeprivatesectorandgovernmentsondemandreduction
activitiesinkeyconsumercountries.
o Increaseawarenessofthelegalrepercussionsofengaginginsuchactivitiesand
takeotheractionstoencourageattitudinalandbehavioralshifts.
o Encouragesubmissionsofandprovidefundingforinnovativeinternational
activitiestoreduceconsumerdemand.
Workwithinfluentialreligiousandfaithleaderstoreducedemandandconsumption
withintheirconstituencies.
Integratecurriculaaimedatreducingtheconsumptionandtraffickingofwildlifeintothe
trainingprograms/curriculafordiplomats,military,andinternationalbusinesscorpsin
targetcountriesandtheUnitedStates.
Supportdemandreductionandbehaviorchangeeffortsinrangestates.
ContinuetobuildontheexistingdemandreductioninitiativesinChinaandSouthand
SoutheastAsiatoreduceconsumerdemand.
Connectandcommunicatewithdiasporagroupstobetterunderstandsocialand
culturalaspectsofthedemandfor,andconsumptionofwildlifeproducts.

MeasuringProgress:
Commitmentsbygovernmentstoleadanddemonstratereduceduseoftrafficking
wildlifeandwildlifeproducts.
Commitmentsbygovernments,privatesector,andothercivilsocietyentitiestosupport
demandreductionefforts.
Surveystomeasurechangeinpublicawareness,attitude,andbuyinghabits.
Surveysofmarketstodetermineifbothpriceandavailabilityaredecliningfortargeted
wildlifeorwildlifeproducts.

LeadAgencies:DOS,USAID,DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA
ParticipatingAgency:USDA/FS

24

ExpandInternationalCooperationandCommitment

Combatingwildlifetraffickingrequirestheengagementofgovernmentsinrange,transit,and
consumercountriesthroughouttheworldaswellasarangeofstakeholdersoutsideofgovernment.
Thisportionofthestrategyfocusesoneffortstousediplomacytomobilizeglobalsupportfor,and
participationin,thefightagainstwildlifetrafficking.Thisincludeseffortstostrengtheninternational
agreementsandarrangementsthatprotectwildlife,topromotecommitmentstoconservationand
wildlifecrimefightingwithinandbetweencountriesandregions,andtoengagepartnersranging
fromnonprofitconservationgroupsandgrassrootsactiviststoprivateindustryandthemedia.

UseDiplomacytoCatalyzePoliticalWill(multilateral)
Objective:Buildpoliticalwilltocombatwildlifetraffickingthroughdiplomaticengagementina
broadrangeofmultilateralfora.

NextSteps:
Continuetoadvocateforcommitmentstocombatwildlifetraffickinginmultilateral
fora,asappropriateandwithineachforumsmandate.
EncourageDevelopmentBankstorequirethatrecipientcountriesaddresswildlife
traffickingasapartofprojectfundingwhenappropriate.

MeasuringProgress:
Specificcommitmentsincorporatedinagreedtext.
Additionaleventsplannedtospotlighttheissueanddevelopfurthercommitments.
Enhancedcooperationandcommunicationamongmultilateralfora.

LeadAgency:DOS
ParticipatingAgencies:DOI/FWS,USAID,DOC/NOAA,USTR

StrengthenInternationalAgreementsandArrangementsthatProtectWildlife
Objective:Leverageexistingresourcesandcommitments.Workthroughexistinginternational
agreementsandarrangements,pursuingtheadoptionofappropriatemeasurestorespondto
thecurrentcrisisofpoachingandtrafficking,andstrengtheningandensuringeffective
implementationoftheseagreementsandarrangements.

NextSteps:
EnsuretheeffectiveimplementationandenforcementoftheConventionon
InternationalTradeinEndangeredSpeciesofWildFaunaandFlora(CITES).
25

o HoldaccountablethosePartiesthathaverepeatedlyfailedtofulfilltheirCITES
obligations.
o AssistCITESPartiesthatdonothaveadequatemeasuresinplacetoeffectively
implementtheConventionindevelopingandimplementingappropriate
legislationorothermeasurestodoso.
CoordinatewithnewlyestablishedPresidentialTaskForceonCombatingIllegal,
Unreported,andUnregulated(IUU)FishingandSeafoodFraudtosupportregional
fisheriesmanagementorganizationsandstrengthenarrangementstodetectanddeter
IUUfishing.

MeasuringProgress:
CITESimplementationimprovedinkeycountries.
CITEScapacitybuildingeffortsundertaken.
NumberofCITESPartieswithimplementinglegislationinCategory1undertheCITES
NationalLegislationProject.
NumberofCITESPartiesthathaveeffectivelyimplementedspecificrecommendations
directedtothembytheCITESStandingCommittee.
ActionstakenagainstCITESPartiesdemonstratedtohaverepeatedlyfailedto
effectivelyimplementtheConvention.

LeadAgencies:DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA
ParticipatingAgencies:DOS,USAID,USDA/FS,USTR,DHS

UseExistingandFutureTradeAgreementsandInitiativestoProtectWildlife
Objective:Engagetradingpartnersonaregionalandbilateralbasisunderexistingandfuture
U.S.freetradeagreements(FTAs),andothertraderelatedinitiativestotakemeasuresto
combatwildlifetrafficking;integratewildlifetraffickingandresourceconservation,including
habitatprotection,aspriorityareasforinformationexchange,cooperation,andcapacity
building;supportenvironmentalcooperationmechanismsandprojectsrelatedtoimplementing
obligationsunderFTAs.

NextSteps:
Continueintegrationofwildlifeconservationintradepolicyandnegotiations.
ContinueimplementationofexistingcommitmentsonwildlifeconservationinFTAs,
includingthoserelatedtoCITES.
SeekinclusionofmeaningfulcommitmentstocombatwildlifetraffickinginnewFTAs,
includingtheTransPacificPartnership(TPP)andtheTransatlanticTradeandInvestment

26

Partnership(TTIP)andothertraderelatedinitiatives,suchasTradeandInvestment
FrameworkAgreements(TIFAs)andbilateraldialogues.
ContinuetoworkacrossUSGagenciestoprioritizewildlifetraffickingandwildlife
conservation,includinghabitatprotection,asissuesforenvironmentalcooperation
programsandinformationexchangeundercooperationarrangementswithFTA
partners.

MeasuringProgress:
Meaningfulcommitmentstoprotectandconservewildlifeandtocombatwildlife
traffickingincludedinFTAs.
FTApartnersmakeprogresstoimplementandenforceenvironmentallawsdealingwith
wildlifeconservationandwildlifetrafficking.
Identifywildlifeconservationissuesandcollaboratewithtradingpartnerstocombat
wildlifetraffickingundertheframeworkofexistingFTAsorothertrademechanisms.
Includewildlifetraffickingandwildlifeprotection,includinghabitatconservation,as
priorityissuesforenvironmentalcooperationandinformationexchangeunder
cooperationarrangementswithexistingFTApartners.

LeadAgencies:USTR,DOS
ParticipatingAgencies:DOI/FWS,DOJ,USDA/FS,DOC/NOAA,USAID,DHS

IncorporateProvisionstoProtectWildlifeinOtherInternationalAgreements
Objective:Ensurewildlifetraffickingisappropriatelyincludedinrelevantinternational
agreements.

NextSteps:
Worktoincorporatemeaningfulcommitmentstoaddresswildlifetraffickinginkey
multilateral,regional,andbilateralagreements.
Includeprovisionsthatensurewildlifetraffickingandrelatedoffensesareextraditable
underextraditiontreatieswhereappropriate.
Incorporatewildlifetraffickingandrelatedoffensesinmutuallegalassistancetreaties,
includingassistanceinfreezingandseizingtheillicitproceedsofwildlifetrafficking
whereappropriate.
EncourageUNTOCmembercountriestoimplementthe2013and2014UNCommission
onCrimePreventionandCriminalJustice(CCPCJ)resolutionstotreatwildlifeandtimber
traffickingasaseriouscrime.

27

MeasuringProgress:
Meaningfulcommitmentsandprovisionsregardingwildlifetraffickingincorporatedinto
agreementsandMLATs.

LeadAgency:DOS
ParticipatingAgencies:DOI/FWS,DOJ,DOC/NOAA,TREAS,USAID

CooperatewithOtherGovernments(Bilateralandregional)
Objective:Workbilaterallyandregionally,andatalllevelsofgovernment,tocatalyzepolitical
willandactionstoaddresswildlifetrafficking.

NextSteps:
Expandeffortstoraisewildlifetraffickingatalllevelsofourbilateraldiplomatic
engagementanddevelopmentassistancewithforeigngovernments.
o Inkeycountries,discusscombatingwildlifetraffickingaspartofhighlevelhost
governmentengagement.
o DevelopconcreteactionstofurtherbilateralcooperationwithChina,withwhom
wewillexpandourcollaborationtocombatwildlifetraffickinginthecontextof
theU.S.ChinaStrategicandEconomicDialogueandotherbilateralefforts.
o Engageandcollaboratewithotherdonorstoincreaseeffortstoaddress
poachingandtrafficking.Adviseandsupportkeycountriesindevelopingtheir
ownstrategiestoprotectandmanagewildlife.
Continuetoencouragecountriestoinventoryandthendestroytheirnationalstockpiles
ofconfiscatedivoryandothercontrabandwildlife.
Encouragecountries,whereappropriate,totransparentlyaudittheirholdingsof
contrabandwildlifeandwildlifeproducts.
Encouragecountriestostrengthenregulationofdomesticwildlifemarkets,particularly
ivorymarkets,andtoimprovetheenforcementofexistingdomesticwildlifetrade
regulations.
Developsynergieswithforestconservationinitiativesandeffortstocombatillegal
loggingandtimbertrafficking.
o Increasemonitoringofforeststodetectillegalaccessroadsforlogging,which
canleadtoincreasedpoachingandothertraffickingactivity,inadditionto
habitatdestruction.

28

MeasuringProgress:
NewbilateralactionsandcommitmentsundertakenwithChina.
NewstrategiesoractionplansdevelopedbyothercountrieswithU.S.assistance.
Strongerregulatorycontrolsonivorytrade,andtradecontrolsforotherprotected
species,adoptedinothercountries.

LeadAgencies:DOS,USAID,DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA
ParticipatingAgency:USTR

PromoteEffectivePartnerships
Objective:Promotejointeffortsandpartnershipsamonggovernments,intergovernmentaland
nongovernmentalorganizations,theprivatesector,andotherstoaddresswildlifetrafficking,
stimulatealternativelivelihoods,communitybasedconservationprograms,andlegaland
sustainablesupplychains.

NextSteps:
Workwithbusinessleadersinrelevantindustriestofosterprivatesectorandcivil
societypartnershipstodevelopindustryspecificapproachestosuchissuesas:
o Onlinesalesofillegalwildlifethroughpartnershipswithecommerce
marketplacesandonlineauctionsites.
o Bestpracticesforthetransportationindustriestoeliminatetransportofillegal
wildlifeandwildlifeproducts.
o Commitmentsbycruiseship,hotel,andtouroperatorindustriestobarsaleof
illegalwildlifeandwildlifeproductsfromgiftshops,restaurants,concessions,
andtoeducatetheircustomers.
o Bestpracticesandguidelinestopreventtraffickedwildlifeandwildlifeproducts
fromenteringsupplychains.
Incorporateeffortsandactivitiestocombatwildlifetraffickingintoexisting
partnerships,includingtheCongoBasinForestPartnership.

MeasuringProgress:
Partnershipscreatedandactionstakenunderthem.
Workshopsheld,leadingtodecisiveactionstocombatillegalwildlifetrade.

LeadAgencies:USAID,DOS
ParticipatingAgencies:DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA,DOT,DOJ

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EncourageDevelopmentofInnovativeApproaches
Objective:Leveragetechnologicalexpertisetopromotecreativeideas,innovativesolutions,
andstrategicpartnershipstoaddresskeytechnicallimitationshinderingourabilitytocombat
wildlifetrafficking.

NextSteps:
ThroughtheWildlifeCrimeTechChallenge(WCTC),makeawardstothemostcreative,
innovative,andpromisingscienceandtechnologysolutionstowildlifecrime,andput
thewinninginnovationsintothehandsofindividualsandinstitutionsthatwillputthem
togooduse.
Supportorrunotherchallengedrivenopeninnovationcompetitionstorapidlyidentify
innovativesolutionstokeyproblemsassociatedwithwildlifecrime.
Identifyforaforsharingtechnologicalandotherinnovativeideas,bestpractices,and
thinkingtobringexpertisetogetherandlearnfrominitiativessuchastheWCTC.

MeasuringProgress:
Participation(thenumberofentrantstotheTechChallenge)andoutcome(how
innovative,scalable,andeffectivethesolutionsare).

LeadAgency:USAID
ParticipatingAgencies:DOS,DOI/FWS,DOC/NOAA

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