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The 4th London Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) was held last October with the participation of more than 70 countries including Madagascar which was represented by the Minister of Environment, Ecology, and Forests.

The illegal wildlife trade is an alarming global phenomenon and leads to the decline of species, with the insecurity, organized crime or corruption. Madagascar is facing resurgence in illegal trafficking, particularly in radiated tortoises trafficking. This year alone, 18,000 radiated tortoises were seized in the south of the country.

This conference is a global commitment to effectively combat the illegal wildlife trade. In strengthening the London Declaration of 2014, other collective measures were put forward. Including the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife as an organized crime network, redoubling efforts to reduce demands, as well as working closely with partners. 

More than 50 countries have adopted the London 2018 Declaration. This declaration reflects the political priorities and the contribution of WWF and TRAFFIC during the conference. Particularly, there is the fight against corruption, the improvement of working conditions for forest guards, the cessation of the ivory trade and the reduction of international demand for ivory.

"For Madagascar, commitments have already been implemented and are in progress  about fighting wildlife trafficking. Let us mention the strict law enforcement through the training of magistrates in October, the acquisition of biological scanners to be installed at the borders of some airports, or the enhancing of national and international collaborations." says Cynthia Ratsimbazafy from WWF / TRAFFIC.

WWF welcomes the commitments made and renewed during the conference to eradicate the illegal wildlife trade. We encourage governments to make them happen as well as protecting the forests where endangered species live.