The Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT) aims to focus public and political attention and resources on ending the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products. CAWT is leveraging the combined strengths of government and nongovernmental partners to:

• Improve Wildlife Law Enforcement by expanding enforcement training and information sharing and strengthening regional cooperative networks.
• Reduce consumer demand for illegally traded wildlife by raising awareness of the impacts of illegal wildlife trade on biodiversity and the environment, livelihoods, and human health; its links to organized crime; and the availability of sustainable alternatives.
• Catalyze high-level political will to fight wildlife trafficking by broadening support at the highest political levels for actions to combat the illegal trade in wildlife.

The Coalition complements and reinforces existing national, regional and international efforts, including the work of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which monitors and regulates international trade in endangered and threatened species and their derivatives.

CAWT members pursue a 'shared approach' whereby they:

• Work individually and jointly toward achieving the Coalition's goals, with each Partner acting where it can contribute most effectively
• Support the effective implementation and enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and avoid duplication of efforts
• Educate consumers about alternative, sustainable choices
• Improve wildlife legislation and raise awareness of wildlife laws and the penalties for violating them
• Exchange information and expertise on best practices and lessons learned
• Inform Partners of projects and activities undertaken in support of the Coalition's shared mission and goals
• Facilitate contacts and dialogue among partners and other public and private entities active in combating wildlife trafficking
• Communicate and promote the Coalition's activities to others, in consultation with Partners
• Recognize outstanding achievement in fighting wildlife trafficking