In support of an ongoing commitment to save the world’s most endangered species, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific recently launched a public service announcement. Narrated by actor Edward Norton, it will air on Discovery’s channels across Asia Pacific to help raise awareness and stem the illegal trade of endangered species products.
Discovery first unveiled this public service announcement at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora last September. It was part of a multi-platform campaign to raise awareness and reduce demand for illegally-sold animal products. The call is for global communities to be more informed when making purchases. Ignorant buying unknowingly fuels the illegal wildlife trade as the desire to own something rare and unusual has resulted in the poaching, slaughter and decimation of many animal species. For the airing of the PSA in Africa and Asia Pacific, Discovery is partnering with United Nations (UN) Environment and the Wild for Life campaign, which was launched last May.
#WildforLife aims to mobilise millions of people to participate in the process of making commitments and taking action against illegal wildlife trade. Head of UN Environment Erik Solheim said: “The illegal trade in wildlife is pushing species to the brink of extinction. We urgently need to change attitudes and mobilise people to stop this tragedy. But crucially, we also need the next generation to be more responsible consumers and caring custodians. To accomplish this, we need to join forces across public and private sectors. “That’s why we’re so pleased to work with Discovery Communications in efforts to halt the illegal trade in wildlife. The trade is accelerating the destruction of our natural world, but we can stop it together.”
Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific’s president and managing director Arthur Bastings said: “We have been at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness of species conservation for over 30 years. Protecting and showcasing the beauty that our planet has to offer is deeply important to us and we are thrilled to be able to share this important message with audiences in Asia. The support of our partners in this effort has been invaluable and we are hopeful that together we can help put an end to this global issue.”
Ted Osius, the US Ambassador to Vietnam said: “The Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade is an opportunity for the global community to work together to implement solutions to address wildlife trafficking. By hosting this conference, the Vietnamese government is engaging world leaders, non-government organisations and the private sector to collectively make a positive difference for the planet.”
According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, wildlife trafficking today is estimated to be the fourth largest illegal trade in the world after drugs, human, and weapons trafficking, worth some US$19 billion (RM84.94 billion) annually (excluding fish and timber). Recently, Discovery launched Project C.A.T., a historic partnership with World Wildlife Fund to save one of the world’s most endangered species — the tiger.
Discovery is funding and help conserve nearly 0.4ha of protected habitat on the India-Bhutan border to protect and increase the wild tiger population. Given ample space, prey and protection from poaching, conservationists are optimistic that tiger populations can rebound. In the last century, the wild tiger population has dropped an astonishing 96 per cent to less than 4,000. Project C.A.T. aims to double this population by 2022.