Washington, D.C. – July 1, 2013, President Obama signed an executive order establishing a Presidential Taskforce on Wildlife Trafficking (Taskforce). Safari Club International Foundation (SCI Foundation) is pleased that the administration has taken such a strong step to combat the growing problem of poaching and illegal wildlife trade. The Taskforce will coordinate efforts among federal agencies and work with foreign nations and international bodies to aid in enforcement against crime related to wildlife trafficking.
“SCI Foundation looks forward to working with the Taskforce to address the poaching crisis and ensure a sustainable future for Africa’s wildlife,” stated SCI Foundation President Joe Hosmer. “With over 22% of sub-Saharan Africa protected in hunting preserves, it is vital that the Taskforce get the hunting community involved in this effort and SCI Foundation stands ready to help.”
SCI Foundation was also pleased to see that the President took the time to make the distinction between the illegal wildlife trade resulting from poaching, and the legal wildlife trade that provides over $200 million dollars in income to rural and underdeveloped African communities through sustainable-use hunting programs.
“The current poaching crisis is a nonpartisan issue that requires everyone’s attention,” concluded President Hosmer.
For more information about SCI Foundation and its work in Africa, visit www.safariclubfoundation.org. To interview a spokesperson, please contact media@safariclub.org.
Safari Club International Foundation (SCI Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that funds and manages worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation, outdoor education, and humanitarian services. Since 2000, SCI Foundation has provided over $50 million to these causes around the world. Visit www.safariclubfoundation.org for more information.
SCI foundation commends executive order on illegal wildlife trafficking
