All Nippon Airways has become the first Japanese airline to sign the United for Wildlife Buckingham Palace Declaration to crack down on illegal trafficking of wildlife.
The initiative was created by the Royal Foundation of The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge & Prince Harry, who invited representatives of the transport industry to pledge their support by raising awareness of trafficking issues among passengers as well as to train staff to recognise and report suspicious packages and behaviour.
By signing up, the Japanese airline says it will work to increase awareness among passengers, customers, clients and staff about the nature, scale and consequences of the illegal wildlife trade; partner with airports, freight forwarders and other stakeholders to work proactively with enforcement agencies and conservation agencies; and consider appropriate policies and procedures to discourage trafficking.
In March 2016, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) signed a declaration on behalf of the aviation industry aimed at reducing the illegal trafficking of wildlife, saying that criminal gangs to smuggle animals or their products are exploiting the air transport network.
Initially IATA focused on high risk protected animals specifically big cats, pangolins and ivory products on high risk routes particularly originating from or transiting through East Africa.
