Taking practical action

Abstract

Wildlife is a crucial part of natural ecosystems, and is directly related to global ecological security, cultural inheritance and sustainable development. Indeed, wildlife conservation is an important symbol of the development of human civilization. Yet, the global illegal wildlife trade is still rampant, and the international community must work together to cope with it. For years, the Chinese government has given high attention to wildlife conservation and made consistent efforts to address the illegal trade. In the first place, it has been constantly improving the laws and regulations and setting severe punishments for illegal hunting, trading, smuggling and using wildlife and its products. A new amendment of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Wildlife Protection has increased punishment for illegal consumption and online wildlife trade. Secondly, we have well established enforcement and coordination mechanisms. Our Inter-agency Joint Mechanism for Addressing Illegal Wildlife Trade, consisting of over 20 departments, has been set up to carry out comprehensive regulation.