CAPE TOWN - Qatar Airways has joined USAID Reducing Opportunities for Unlawful Transportation of Endangered Species (ROUTES) Partnership to act against wildlife trafficking across transport networks.
In a statement, the airline company revealed that it has increased its commitment as a signatory to the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration to protect endangered species from illegal trade and transportation.
In conjunction with ROUTES, it is believed that Qatar Airways will raise awareness and strengthen staff capacity building to help eliminate wildlife transportation of endangered animals.
ALSO READ: Molewa cagey on horn auctions, says Save our Rhino
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker said, "Qatar Airways is proud to stand with other aviation industry leaders to state that we have zero tolerance for this criminal activity. As a result, we have devoted resources to raise awareness to not only eliminate wildlife trafficking, but to protect these creatures that we value”.
ALSO READ: Amarula removes the elephant from logo
The illegal trade of wildlife is the fourth largest black market in the world - worth approximately $20 billion annually, and impacts more than 7 000 species of animals and plants, the statement said.
- BUSINESS REPORT ONLINE