On Sunday, March 3, 2013, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, addressed to those present at The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). On a video message, Prince William expressed the need of more efforts in order to stop the illegal killing of elephants and rhinos and the illegal trade of ivory and horns.
The message of Prince William:
"Honorable Prime Minister, ministers, excellencies, distinguished delegates. Today you're embarking on an extremely important journey. What you decide in this room over the next two weeks could determine the fates of some of the world's most captivating species, as well as many lesser known plants and animals that want equal attention. As we enter 2013, the world's natural resources are under threat as never before.
We know from the data and analysis presented to this meeting that the illegal killing of African elephants and rhino and the related illegal trade of their ivory and horn has reached shocking levels in the past few years. Such threats are not confined to the African continent with many Asian species are now also coming under threat. We must do more to combat this serious crime if we are to reverse the current alarming trends. If not, we can cease to see some populations of these creatures or even an entire species disappear from the wild. We simply must not let this catastrophe unfold.
Our children should have the same opportunity that we have to experience wildlife in its many beautiful and vary forms. I recently had a chance to meet John Scanlon, your Secretary General, to discuss these issues. As we all work together, we can reverse these trends, we can make a difference, and what you decide right here in Bangkok will make that difference.
At this crucial meeting you will also consider many other important issues, including whether to bring additional timbre species under CITES's controls as well as several sharks and rays. In doing so you'll have the best available science before you to help inform your decisions. The Kingdom of Thailand has been characteristically generous in hosting this very special conference of the parties. If I may, I'd like to wish all participants a highly productive and successful meeting.
There will undoubtedly be differences of opinions from time to time, but I know that you are all bound by a common objective to ensure the survival of the planet's wildlife. It is 40 years to the day since the convention was signed in Washington D.C., so please join me in wishing CITES a very happy 40th birthday. Thank you."
The aim of CITES is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild, and it accords varying degrees of protection to more than 34,000 species of animals and plants. They are said to regulate the exploitation of animals, but they do believe in animals should be hunted and exploited. They are there to ensure the killing of animals is sustainable and controlled and in some way it should not threaten or endanger wildlife.
The Royal Family is known for their practice of hunting. Just last year, Prince William and Prince Harry went off to a secret hunt of wild pigs in Spain. It is surprising to read the message of Prince William; it is a contradiction to his actions. To kill an animal because it is said to be a way for the survival of the species is not the answer to the problem the planet has at the moment. If Prince William is truly concerned about future generations enjoying wildlife, he should be working, instead, on stopping the killing of animals.
Today on ecorazzi.com, Ashlee Pipper wrote about how singer Jay-Z proudly sports shoes made from elephant skin. By controlling the murdering of elephants people like Jay-Z can still have their elephant skin shoes. “All companies selling or dealing with elephant leather have to comply to the strict requirements of the Convention of International Treaty of Endangered Species” explains the site Andrews-elephants.com. Products made out of elephant skin include belts, shoes, jackets, furniture upholstery, as well as bags.
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