LUXEMBOURG: October 25, 2018. Cargolux has signed up to the United for Wildlife International Taskforce on the Transportation of Illegal Wildlife Products.

The company says its statement is not legally binding but is a "symbolic milestone in the fight against trafficking and illegal trade". The detailed clauses ensure the airline recognizes the devastating impact of illegal wildlife trade, and will not take part or facilitate it in any way, it adds.

“We are proud to add this declaration to the number of steps that have been taken by Cargolux to fight the illegal trade of animals and animal parts. We are strongly committed to promoting and taking part in conservational and environmental efforts. As a key player, it is our job to set the standard for an ethical and sustainable industry,”  said Richard Forson, president and CEO of Cargolux.

Illegal wildlife trade is one of the five most lucrative organized crime networks worldwide.

In 2016, IATA launched an Airport Wildlife Trafficking Assessment tool to help defeat smugglers of endangered species following the United for Wildlife Buckingham Palace Declaration by 40 major logistics organizations, NGOs, U.N. and government agencies to collaborate against the illegal trade.

Robert Campbell, Programme manager at the United for Wildlife Taskforce declared: “By forming partnerships such as the one we have with Cargolux, United for Wildlife is bringing new voices to the conservation discussion to identify and implement solutions. The Transport Taskforce brings together transport stakeholders, including key airlines, with law enforcement and other agencies to facilitate action led by the private sector.”

Cargolux says it has developed a list of items that it refuses to carry on any of its routes for ethical reasons. As part of its Live Animal transportation policy, the airline operates in full compliance with the IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).