Singapore Airlines has signed the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration in support of efforts to prevent trafficking and transportation of illegal wildlife and their products. The Declaration now boasts 38 airlines under its umbrella, all of which have pledged to fight against transportation of illegal wildlife products in the hope of clamping down on the trade chains for such wildlife worldwide.
As a signatory, SIA agrees to implement actions under the relevant commitments outlined in the Declaration, such as adopting a zero tolerance policy regarding illegal wildlife trade, increasing awareness among passengers and staff, providing staff training to identify and report suspected illegal wildlife, and engaging the relevant stakeholders.
SIA and subsidiary SIA Cargo have long been against the illegal transport of wildlife and unsustainable animal products. SIA prohibits the carriage of any animals or wildlife by passengers, for example, with the exception of domesticated cats and dogs that are checked in, and service and emotional support dogs in the cabin. SIA Cargo only permits the carriage of live animals in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR). I
n addition, following a thorough review which took into account increasing concerns around the world related to shark finning, SIA Cargo stopped accepting the carriage of shark fin with effect from 1 August 2014. This non-carriage was extended to include hunting trophies after a similar review was conducted in May 2015.
“It is great to see Singapore Airlines committing to join the fight against wildlife traffickers. The illegal wildlife trade threatens the survival of many iconic species, and local communities that depend on nature-based tourism. Airlines can play an important role in helping the authorities stamp out this appalling trade,” said IATA’s Director General and CEO, Mr Alexandre de Juniac.
For more information on the Task Force and Declaration, visit www.unitedforwildlife.org.
