| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC June 3, 2008 Harrison Ford TV Public Service Announcements on Wildlife TraffickingView PSAs
The U.S. Department of State, in partnership with non-profit organization WildAid, has produced three television public service announcements (PSAs) to combat wildlife trafficking featuring renowned actor Harrison Ford. More than 30 U.S. embassies in all regions of the world will showcase the PSAs in a global launch beginning June 5, World Environment Day. The ads will also be broadcast globally on television and cable stations. The U.S. launch of the PSAs will take place at the United Nations with participation by Special Envoy of the Secretary of State for Wildlife Trafficking Issues Bo Derek and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, Environment and Science Claudia A. McMurray. Senior representatives of partner nations in the U.S.-led Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking, which includes the governments of Australia, Canada, Chile, India and the United Kingdom, will also participate in the event. The Coalition also includes 13 non-governmental organizations that share the goal of ending the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products. “The Department recognizes that working with other likeminded countries and organizations is the most powerful way to reduce the illegal trade in wildlife,” said Assistant Secretary for Oceans, Environment and Science Claudia A. McMurray, who will moderate the UN launch event. “We are extremely grateful to both Harrison Ford and Bo Derek for their commitment to raising public awareness about this important issue.” UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Achim Steiner said: "Whatever the reason, illegal trafficking is ultimately theft of a country's natural and nature-based assets. Laws and law enforcement are essential, but so too is public awareness. I therefore welcome this initiative as being a contribution to work of the UN Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)". Wildlife trafficking is a growing black market conservatively estimated to be worth $10 billion a year. The trade is often linked to other forms of organized crime, including the smuggling of drugs, weapons and people. For more information about the global launch of the Harrison Ford PSAs, contact: Matthew Cassetta Raphael Cook For more information about the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking visit: http://www.cawtglobal.org/. 2008/446 |
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