Recent research by the Inter-governmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES, 2019) has shown that over-exploitation of natural resources is the second biggest cause of biodiversity loss, after land-use change. Illegal Wildlife Trade, and demand for the associated products, are symptoms of this over-exploitation and themselves drivers of biodiversity loss. In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and vital global discussions this year about how we need to protect our environment and biodiversity into the future, tackling the demand for IWT products should be recognised and addressed as an important component of the overall problematic.
This online meeting will bring together up to 25 senior government representatives and some selected experts in this field, from across Asia, for an open discussion on ways in which the current situation may impact efforts to reduce the demand for IWT products. Based on country and regional experiences and through a sharing of good practice, the meeting aims to identify:
- what participants see as the main challenges and opportunities for demand reduction initiatives
- prospects for understanding consumer behaviour, collaborating, and establishing partnerships to develop a broader suite of regional demand reduction initiatives
- ways in which to maximise links with key international events in 2021, in particular the Biodiversity CoP 15, but also beyond.
In partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FDCO) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Prior events
Wilton Park reference number: WP1867V1
