Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding the preservation of Africas wildlife. I am pleased to learn your views and appreciate the opportunity to share mine. Africas commercial bushmeat trade continues to pose a grave threat to the existence of many species, including chimpanzees. The Jane Goodall Institute predicts that the number of chimpanzees and other endangered species in Africa may be severely depleted within the next 20 years due to the bushmeat trade. Unfortunately, many countries in West and Central Africa do not have effective policies that prevent the hunting of Africas wildlife. In addition, wildlife meat is the primary source of animal protein for people throughout the forested regions of Central Africa. The illegal trafficking of wildlife is a big business and the profitability of the trade has made it attractive, drawing in poor hunters as well as organized crime and rebel groups. As a result, although efforts are being made both by foreign and local governments and NGOs to protect endangered species, it is often difficult to compete with a highly lucrative black market. To date, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is the only existing international treaty that specifically attempts to mitigate the damage done to wildlife through trade. The U.S. implements CITES policies through domestic legislation, most notably the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, which provides funding for domestic conservation purposes, as well as CITES mandated regulation and conservation efforts. On February 11, 2014, the Obama administration took another important step towards helping cut the U.S. share in the trade by announcing a national strategy for combating wildlife trafficking. The strategy focuses on three specific goals: strengthening enforcement, reducing demand for illegally traded wildlife, and expanding international cooperation and commitment. In tandem with the proposed strategy, a complete ban on the importation of ivory has also been implemented. The United States government and its agencies must do what they can to enforce national and international law, and to protect those animals whose existence is under threat. In the past I have supported strong environmental and conservation and if legislation regarding this particular issue should come before the House for a vote, I will be sure to keep your opinions in mind. Again, thank you for contacting me about Africas wildlife. Please feel free to visit my website at degette.house.gov. There you can sign up for my e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on current events in Congress. I look forward to our continued communication. Sincerely, Diana DeGette Member of Congress
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 06:15:01 +0000
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