Mekong - U.S. Partnership
On May 30 the Wildlife Alliance, a non-governmental organization fighting wildlife trafficking in Cambodia, finished installing the eye-catching new “Wildlife Trafficking Stops Here” exhibition at the Phnom Penh International Airport.
The exhibits provide key facts about the illegal wildlife trade and serves to educate travelers about the impact of their actions and the steps they can take to protect wildlife in Cambodia and around the world. Cambodia’s international airports receive more than three million passengers annually and are often used as transport hubs for illegal wildlife products destined for markets in Vietnam and China. The “Wildlife Trafficking Stops Here” campaign features bilingual signs in Khmer and English displayed on TVs throughout departures, arrivals and baggage claim areas at both international airports. The signs feature commonly trafficked species such as tigers, sunbears, moonbears, pangolins, and the giant ibis, and inform domestic and international passengers that wildlife trafficking is illegal under Cambodian law and to report wildlife crime to Wildlife Alliance’s 24 hour hotline, 012-500-094.
Other important campaign components include special training seminars for Customs, operations staff, baggage and cargo handlers, security personnel and other key airport staff. The “Wildlife Trafficking Stops Here” campaign is part of the Asia’s Regional Response to Endangered Species Trafficking (ARREST) program sponsored by USAID/RDMA and in partnership with Freeland Foundation, the Cambodian Forestry Administration, and Cambodia Airports.
Source: USAID/RDMA Regional Environment Office Weekly Update
