Taoyuan City-based China Airlines officially joined the global fight against illegal wildlife trafficking following its signing, along with 10 other carriers from around the world, of a related declaration during the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association June 5 in Cancun, Mexico.
Under the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration, signatories agree to deny access to transportation routes used by those shipping unlawfully sourced wildlife products. They also commit to supporting efforts aimed at developing secure information sharing systems for the transportation industry and notifying law enforcement authorities of suspect activities.
CAL Chairman Ho Nuan-hsuan said the company is fully committed to taking part in international efforts to promote environmental protection and sustainability. It will also strive to strengthen collaboration with the government, related agencies and partner carriers to achieve the sustainable development goals of the U.N., he added.
According to Ho, CAL adheres to the highest standards of corporate responsibility as illustrated by its crackdown on the transportation of shark fins and removal of dishes featuring protected species from the menus of affiliated restaurants in December 2014.
The company is leaving no stone unturned in heightening awareness of wildlife preservation and encouraging its partner airlines to halt the illegal trade in wildlife, he said.
In response, IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said illegal wildlife trade threatens the survival of many iconic species, and airlines can play an important role in helping the authorities stamp out the practice. It is outstanding to know China Airlines is taking part in the war against wildlife traffickers, he added.
CAL is the first of Taiwan’s seven commercial carriers servicing international, cross-strait or domestic routes to sign the declaration. Established in 1959, the company operates a fleet of 77 passenger and 21 cargo aircraft flying to 145 destinations in 29 countries.
United for Wildlife was created in 2012 by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Headed by Prince William, the duke of Cambridge, UFW comprises seven leading international conservation organizations and is committed to protecting critically endangered species. (SFC-E)
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