Nairobi, 6 October 2015 - UN Environment Programme Executive Director Achim Steiner released the following statement following the conclusion of negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal. The TPP contains unprecedented provisions to combat illegal wildlife trade, including requirements for the 12 countries involved to protect wildlife covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) from illegal trade, and to take action to protect any wildlife that has been taken illegally from any country.
"The inclusion of wildlife protections in the TPP are an important move to help conserve biodiversity.
"In agreeing to fulfill their obligations under CITES, combat wildlife taken illegally from any country, and take further action to protect wildlife at risk in their own jurisdictions, TPP member states are taking important action to combat the illegal wildlife trade.
"These agreements on wildlife and on other environmental dimensions will need be followed up with concrete domestic legislation and regulation to ensure this accord results in effective implementation. UNEP will continue to support countries in this endeavour.
"Time will tell whether these provisions will engender significant benefits to the world's wildlife and environment."
