Protecting Wildlife Means Protecting Ourselves, Plus the Link to COVID-19
“In our last blog, we identified the critical role that reputable sanctuaries, like our campaign partner Senda Verde in Bolivia, play in protecting animals rescued from the wildlife trade.
Many recent headlines are linking the COVID-19 pandemic directly to this same wildlife trade. We asked Damien Mander, Founder and CEO of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, to connect the dots for us.”
Damien Mander Creates Female 'Akashinga' Anti-Poaching Force In Zimbabwe's Phundundu Wildlife Park
How is COVID-19 a result of the wildlife trade?
Coronavirus evolved in the wet markets of Asia, where many wild animal species are held in close quarters and killed on demand for waiting customers. Such markets exist all over the world and have already been identified as key settings for future devastating viruses.
What role do sanctuaries play in preventing another pandemic?
Sanctuaries provide refuge for victims of wildlife trafficking that could easily have ended up in wet markets. Animals such as pangolins that could harbour another pandemic for humans.
There is no risk-free trade in wildlife, whether for food, traditional medicine, clothing or ornaments. Sanctuaries also preserve the natural habitats of wild animals which is critical to environmental preservation and our planet’s health.
Can we prevent future outbreaks?
A primary focus on preventing future pandemics is the shutting down of these wet markets. But incremental closures of markets here and there won’t cut it in the longer term, we must stop wildlife reaching the markets in the first place. Once wildlife is in the markets, legal or illegal, it’s too late.
Potentially fatal viruses are in the wild now, and with the right conditions, will transmit to humans again. Alarming research forecasts that the frequency and intensity of these devastating viruses will only amplify. How long before the next pandemic hits, no-one can say. The underlying circumstances that made the outbreak of this COVID-19 pandemic possible still exist, but we believe it could have been prevented.There is a clear and compelling need to shut down all trafficking of wildlife.
How do we stop the wildlife trade?
The supply chain needs to be stopped at the source, saving wildlife as well as human lives. This is where sanctuaries, protected nature preserves and wildlife rangers play a major role. They may just stop the next pandemic. We can lobby governments and leaders with more conviction for change and collaborate with like-minded conservation organizations on vital life-saving projects.
Read more about Damien and his globally recognized work at https://www.iapf.org/damien-mander/
Sign the pledge to stop wildlife trafficking here: https://www.iapf.org/covid-19-open-letter-to-humanity
Together, we can end the wildlife trade - saving animals, our planet and our future!
