Social media are important tools vs. illegal wildlife trade - DENR

There's much more to social networking sites than just selfies.

 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has realized the importance of social media in combatting illegal wildlife trade in the country. 

 

In a statement on Thursday, DENR Secretary Ramon Paje said that the most recent successful operations against illicit wildlife trade stemmed from tips made on social networking sites.

 

“Indeed, social media and public assistance play an increasing role in helping authority fight the illegal wildlife trade,” he noted.

 

Paje urged the public to using social media in reporting cases of wildlife trafficking as they continue to verify all photos, location, and other valuable information provided to them. 

 

After three separate operations nationwide, these species were saved from illegal wildlife traders:

 

 

The DENR chief underscored that trade and possession of wildlife species without the necessary permit from the BMB is illegal under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. 

 

“These animals were designed by nature to exist in their own habitat in the wild. Caring for them on your own may, in fact, be counterproductive and instead contribute to the decline of their population,” he pointed out.

 

For wildlife trade, possession, or transport, one should secure a certificate of wildlife registration (CWR), also known as wildlife permit.

 

Under RA 9147, the illegal trade or possession of wildlife, especially species considered endangered, are punishable by two years of imprisonment and a fine of P200,000. — TJD, GMA News