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Illegal forestry is not only putting endangered species of plants at risk, but creates an uneven playing field for law-abiding companies. While iconic species are the focus of much worldwide political and social attention, there are lesser-known species of plants and animals that are in equal or greater danger. This illegal activity is contributing to corruption, money-laundering, challenges to security and rule of law as well as threatening, ecosystems, food and water safety in many parts of the world. Approximately 70 persons attended the meeting representing nearly 30 member countries and three intergovernmental organizations. The first two days were open to civil society which attracted another 30 persons from both academia and non-government organizations. The last three days consisted of sessions open to government officials only that focused on problem identification as well as formulating strategic recommendations to INTERPOL on priorities for fighting wildlife and forestry crime. There was a broad cross-section of participants representing each of INTERPOL’s regions, a good mix of developing and industrialized countries, as well as source, transit and market states. In addition to a number of strategic recommendations, five intersessional WCWG-led projects were initiated concerning (i) management of seized goods, (ii) shatoosh (Tibetan antelope fur) smuggling, (iii) improving working relationships with National Central Bureaus, (iv) analysis of operations to identify best practices and (v) targeted worldwide inspections in non-traditional modes of transport. These will be further elaborated on in the appendices. Canada was re-elected to chair the WCWG for a second two-year term. Other countries elected to the executive include: South Africa (vice-chair), United States of America (secretary), Honduras, Kenya, Malawi, Switzerland and Thailand.
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