Three key companies in the transport sector in India including government owned Air India and private airline Jet Airways, have signed a declaration to fight wildlife trafficking.
The shipping and airlines companies in India signed the 'Buckingham Palace Declaration' in the presence of the Duke of Cambridge at British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Asquith's residence on Monday.
The Declaration commits signatories to eleven commitments that will raise standards across the transportation industry to prevent wildlife traffickers from exploiting weaknesses of this sector.
The commitments focus on information sharing, staff training, technological improvements, and resource sharing across companies and organisations worldwide.
"The illegal wildlife trade is a serious organised crime that undermines rule of law, facilitates corruption and steals valuable resources from some of the world's poorest communities.
"During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK last November, the UK and India resolved to work together to combat the illegal wildlife trade. We are delighted to welcome Air India, Jet Airways and Apeejay Shipping as new signatories to the Buckingham Palace Declaration," Sir Dominic Asquith said, according to a statement here.
The Maersk Group which is already a signatory was also present during the occasion. The Declaration was developed by the United for Wildlife International Taskforce on the Transportation of Illegal Wildlife Products.
"Air India as a national carrier is committed to zero tolerance of illegal transportation of wild life from India on Air India flights.
"All the cargo consignments, passengers' baggage and others are checked at the entry level and the front line staff are well aware to stop such illegal transportation at the first point of contact," said Ashwani Lohani, Chairman and Managing Director, Air India.
Already over 40 CEOs, Chairmen and other leaders of airlines, shipping firms, port operators, customs agencies, intergovernmental organisations and conservation charities from around the world have signed the Declaration.
