 In the last five years, the World Bank has approved nearly 50 projects directly or indirectly related to biodiversity conservation in East and Southeast Asia, accounting for some US$310 million of Bank financing.
However, there is a growing realization that these investments are being seriously compromised by the illegal wildlife trade, and that as a result the region’s forests are increasingly silent, empty of the wildlife that makes them so unique. The region is a center for the consumption of wildlife derivatives, ranging from tiger bone medicines to shark fin cuisine. The region is also a key supplier to the international wildlife market, both legal and illegal. Wildlife is traded as food, traditional medicine, pets, for zoos and other live animal collections, and as trophies and decorations. If a species has a marketable value, and a market exists for it, it is traded. This paper provides a glimpse into the world of illegal wildlife trade, as well as a snapshot of how the World Bank, through its lending and non-lending activities, can leverage its many investments to safeguard biodiversity and the livelihoods that depend on it. It seeks to identify key entry points for actions by the World Bank, governments and other stakeholders to reduce the threats to wildlife and human welfare posed by the illegal trade in wildlife. The paper’s recommendations focus on scaling up the effectiveness of current interventions, and suggest others that have not yet been tried or tested. This report aims to stimulate discussion, share knowledge, and contribute to learning from experience. It is a means to guide future thinking about the engagement of the World Bank on issues of wildlife trade, and is part of a larger effort in the World Bank to implement a coherent strategy in support of placing the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife squarely on the development agenda. As governments and civil society alike become more aware of the importance of biodiversity for economic growth and poverty alleviation, and of the threats posed to this biodiversity by the illegal trade in wildlife, there is hope that the rich forests, fauna and flora of East and Southeast Asia will remain a major asset for improving the quality of people’s lives and providing opportunities for future generations. Magda Lovei Sector Manager Environment and Social Development Unit East Asia and Pacific Region  Access the report
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Biodiversity conservation in East Asia and Pacific
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