A surge in wildlife crime, especially affecting elephants and rhinos, is being fueled by corruption according to the Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, also known as CITES.

The CITES agreement was drawn up in 1973 to ensure the trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

The international community is currently meeting in St Petersburg, Russia, to discuss the UN Convention against Corruption.

Martin Nesirky asked the CITES chief, John Scanlon how significant the link is between corruption and wildlife crime.

Duration” 2'15"

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/treaties/CAC/CAC-COSP-session6.html