Willem Wijnstekers, the Secretary-General of CITES gave his backing to CAWT's efforts to tackle wildlife crime Click photo to enlarge © TRAFFIC Geneva, July 22, 2008—Willem Wijnstekers, Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):

Endangered species are facing many threats today. One of the most significant is illegal trade in these animals and plans and the products made from them. Cross-border cooperation and collaboration, increased political attention to the subject and higher law-enforcement priority are essential if we are to effectively combat the organized crime groups and networks that steal the world's natural resources.

The CITES Secretariat is pleased to be associated with efforts by the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT) to gain such attention and priority. The international multi-government and multi-organization CAWT partnership is a welcome addition to our ongoing battle against wildlife criminals.