The illegal selling of animal parts is the world’s fourth biggest illicit industry behind drugs, counterfeit goods and human trafficking. These wildlife crimes not only decimate animal populations but also have a negative effect on economies that rely on these ecosystems for tourism. So the Security Institute annual conference heard in London in October, as featured in the December print issue of Professional Security magazine.
Now the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and Irdeto have partnered to combat poaching and other wildlife crimes, online. Irdeto’s cybersecurity services will be put to use to investigate sale of animal parts on the internet. The partners will work with local law enforcement, providing forensic data and intelligence to help locate and arrest the criminals responsible for the illegal trade.
Kaddu Sebunya, President, AWF said: “The global illegal wildlife trade generates between $7 billion and $23 billion in illicit revenue every year. Our mission is to ensure wildlife and wild lands thrive in modern Africa. If this illicit industry continues to thrive, then our mission is in jeopardy. Together with Irdeto, we have an incredible opportunity to bring about a positive change, disrupt this illicit industry and make a positive impact on wildlife in Africa as well as across the globe.”
AWF is an international conservation body seeking to protect the wildlife and wild lands of Africa and ensure a more sustainable future for Africa’s people. Irdeto and AWF as partners seek to identify types of wildlife crimes across digital channels, and provide the evidence needed to prosecute poachers and wildlife criminals.
Doug Lowther, CEO, Irdeto said: “We are in a unique and lucky position to be able to use our cybersecurity expertise and technology for good. When we announced to employees our intention to kickstart this philanthropic wildlife initiative, I was tremendously encouraged by the outpouring of support and the eagerness to get involved in this cause. The passion from our team was there, we just needed a like-minded partner that shared our enthusiasm for this cause. We have found that partner in AWF and I am proud that we can harness our expertise and technology for a good and just cause.”
Visit: https://irdeto.com/wildlife/.
Pictured signing the agreement, left to right: Doug Lowther, CEO of Irdeto, and Brian McBrearity, Vice President of Management Systems at AWF.
