On 3 March every year, the global community comes together to celebrate United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD), recognizing the essential role that wild animals and plants play in sustaining ecosystems, economies and human well-being.
Under the slogan “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”, the 2025 edition of WWD places the spotlight on the need for innovative solutions to fund the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat, and to ensure long-term conservation efforts.
Customs administrations contribute to these efforts by combating the illegal wildlife trade. As explained by the WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, “Customs plays a fundamental role in protecting biodiversity through its mandate to stop the illegal wildlife trade, and facilitate the legal trade in endangered species of fauna and flora. By disrupting the illegal wildlife trade, we safeguard ecosystems and economies, and increase security. Wildlife criminals are constantly adapting and so must we, especially through intelligence-driven enforcement, strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology.”
While assisting Customs administrations in their efforts to combat trafficking in wildlife which undermines vital conservation work, the WCO has been supported by a range of donors and Customs administrations, who have provided the Organization with accredited and recognized experts to help administrations implement effective and efficient controls and deploy modern working methods leveraging data exchange at the international level. The WCO also collaborates with enforcement agencies, conservation organizations and other stakeholders to bolster its wildlife protection actions.
A pool of highly competent illegal wildlife trade experts has been set up to lead capacity-building activities and provide training and guidance to Customs administrations, thereby strengthening their capability in this domain. Sound management of funds, pooled resources, and strong partnerships with other organizations and law enforcement agencies have enabled the WCO to deliver training, develop practical guidance, organize enforcement operations, and support intelligence-sharing initiatives.
The Operation THUNDER series, a flagship global enforcement initiative conducted in collaboration with INTERPOL and other International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) partners, has consistently resulted in major seizures and the dismantling of trafficking networks. Similarly, Operation PRAESIDIO III, which focused on enhancing border controls and dismantling organized wildlife trafficking networks in selected African and Asian countries, has had a substantial impact. Such operations not only lead to direct enforcement actions but also provide valuable intelligence, boost risk assessment capabilities and inform future policy development.
The WCO shares the United Nations’ view that “Investing in wildlife is not an aspiration, it is a necessity! It is our collective responsibility towards a resilient future for both people and the planet.” The WCO remains committed to mobilizing resources to fight wildlife trafficking and to promoting a collaborative approach leveraging the expertise, knowledge and strategic vision of all stakeholders.