Etihad staff learn latest measures in fight against wildlife trafficking

Workshops help officials identify forged documents used to smuggle animals illegally into UAE

Etihad Airways staff have attended a government workshop to learn how to stop illegal trafficking of wildlife. Courtesy: Cheetah Conservation Fund

Etihad Airways has teamed up with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to join the global fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.

A workshop attended by 37 officials involved on the front-line of anti-smuggling measures was staged in Abu Dhabi, with speakers from conservation charities The Royal Foundation and United for Wildlife.

Attendees were given an update on the work of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

"Wildlife trafficking, particularly in endangered species, is a global concern, and the UAE is no exception,”  said Muna Omran Majed Al Shamsi, head of CITES at the MoCCAE.

“The country has pledged to crack down on the wildlife trafficking cycle, from sellers to buyers, and MOCCAE is leading the efforts."

The sessions aimed to increase understanding of the latest permits required by law to legally move animals across international borders and prevent identity forgery and ensure authenticity.