TRAFFIC in East Asia

TRAFFIC was established in 1976 to monitor trade in wild animals and animal parts and to support implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)—an international agreement, signed by over 170 countries, that restricts trade in certain species. TRAFFIC opened an East Asia regional office in Hong Kong in 1994, and appointed a representative in mainland China in 2001.

TRAFFIC has conducted many studies and published reports on trade in many wildlife products, ranging from fisheries, to timber, to products traded illegally, such as rhinoceros horn and tiger bone. TRAFFIC provides training and technical assistance to Chinese government agencies working to combat illegal trade in such products, encourages cross-border co-operation on anti-smuggling measures, and works with researchers, media, and Chinese NGOs to change public attitudes towards the consumption of products derived from endangered animals.

TRAFFIC is a strategic alliance of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and WWF, but also receives donations from individuals and grants from private foundations. More information at: www.traffic.org