Digital course on preventing wildlife trafficking in the supply chain now available in multiple languages

The course ‘Prevention on Wildlife Trafficking’ launched by FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations and TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, is now available free of charge in seven languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish).

In 2019, FIATA and TRAFFIC teamed up to deliver a three-module digital course to raise awareness of wildlife trafficking and its impact on the supply chain. The course equips freight forwarders with the skills to fight this illicit trade by providing essential information to detect, respond to, and report instances of wildlife trafficking. The translation of this course into multiple languages will allow a broader reach of the topic to the global freight forwarding community.

“We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with TRAFFIC and have this important course on the prevention of wildlife trafficking made more accessible to our industry stakeholders,” said Dr Stephane Graber, FIATA Director General. “Freight forwarders from all around the world have the opportunity to support the efforts of protecting wildlife and reinforcing the integrity of the supply chain. This course gives them a multilingual tool to take appropriate action in the event of dealing with suspicious cargo.”

Wildlife traffickers misuse the legitimate transport and logistics services provided by the freight forwarding industry. According to TRAFFIC, this illegal trade is the fourth largest black market in the world and impacts more than 7,000 species of animals and plants.

“Like any other forms of illicit trade, wildlife trafficking can only be stopped through the collective effort of law enforcement, private sector and civil society” said Monica Zavagli, TRAFFIC Programme Manager for Transport Sector Engagement. “By knowing what to look out for, freight forwarders can protect their business while also playing a pivotal role as the eyes and the years for Customs”.

This course is part of an existing partnership between FIATA and TRAFFIC to take action against wildlife trafficking and drive positive change in the transport sector. In 2017, FIATA included wildlife trafficking in the minimum standards for the FIATA Diploma in International Freight Forwarding. TRAFFIC has also worked with FIATA member, the South African Association of Freight Forwarders, in recognizing opportunities to combat wildlife trafficking in the supply chain.