As part of its pro bono work, the law firm DLA Piper produced a report: “Empty Threat: Does the Law Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade?” commissioned by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry on behalf of the United for Wildlife partnership.
The report was presented at the International Wildlife Trafficking Symposium, hosted by the Zoological Society of London, by the firm’s partners Michael Lebovitz and Alex Monk.
It found the illegal trade in wildlife has continued to proliferate to the point where it ranks behind only illegal trafficking in drugs, guns and human beings in the value of the illegal trade. The report explores legislative and judicial challenges relating to wildlife trade in 10 key countries: Cameroon, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malaysia, the Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda and Vietnam.
Through the Foundation, His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge has brought together an unprecedented collaboration between seven of the world’s most influential conservation organisations and the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. The partnership, named “United for Wildlife”, is a long-term commitment to tackle the global challenges to the world’s natural resources so they can be safeguarded for future generations.
Each country report gives an overview of principal legislation on trade in wildlife, criminal penalties, ancillary legislation such as anti-corruption legislation that can be used to prosecute, assesses the local judicial process and capacity to enforce and concludes with recommendations.
Some 55 lawyers from 15 DLA Piper offices around the world gave 1350 hours to the project. The team was led by partner Michael Lebovitz, UK Pro Bono Manager Heidi Newbigging and Alice Puritz, all from DLA Piper’s London office.
Sir Nigel Knowles, Global CEO and Managing Partner of DLA Piper, said: “Our report reveals that there are a number of weaknesses in the legislation of each country that are exploited to allow the illegal trade of wildlife. There are substantial inconsistencies in terms of the penalties for violating local law and every report identifies issues with judicial procedure and capacity. Significant work needs to be done in every country in order to effectively tackle the illegal wildlife trade and we are honoured to have been able to support United for Wildlife on this very important project.”
