Combatting Indonesia’s Illegal Animal Trade

Indonesia's wildlife and the threats they face

Indonesia, a megadiverse country, is home to a wide variety of unique species of animals that are, unfortunately, targeted by the illegal wildlife trade. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a significant portion of global demand for illegal wildlife products originates from the Southeast Asian region, with Indonesia being one of the most significant sources. Apart from megafauna such as elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, and orangutans, the trade of smaller species such as Tokay Geckos, Tarsiers, Green Tree Pythons, Javan Slow Lorises, Pangolins, and various species of cockatoos and parrots is also a major concern.

These wild animals are internationally sought-after commodities and are frequently targeted for the exotic pet trade or for use in traditional medicine. This leads to population declines, habitat loss, and disruptions to local ecosystems.

Consequently, organisations like the SCORPION Foundation Indonesia, Mongabay, the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) have been working tirelessly to address this pressing issue. Moreover, global agencies like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recognise Indonesia's complicated position as a demand source, the origin of supply, and transit point for illegal wildlife and animal parts. The situation is further exacerbated by the archipelagic nature of Indonesia, which creates challenges in monitoring and enforcing wildlife trade regulations.

As the world becomes increasingly aware of illegal wildlife trade and its impact on global biodiversity, a critical question arises; how can we help prevent the illegal shipping of these animals to various overseas destinations. To address this question, it is essential to examine the role of international logistics and supply chain management companies in this complex issue and explore the potential strategies they can implement to make a lasting, positive impact.

The connection between logistics and illegal wildlife trade

Unwittingly, international logistics and supply chain management companies are often used as a tool in the illegal wildlife trade, as traffickers exploit their services to transport illicit goods. By recognising this connection and taking appropriate measures, logistics companies can help disrupt this trade and protect Indonesia's biodiversity.

To better understand the precarious situation that Indonesia's wildlife faces and how logistics companies can contribute meaningfully to the global fight against illegal wildlife trafficking, let us examine the various stages of the supply chain. Wildlife traffickers source the animals, often through poaching or illegal capture, before packaging and preparing them for transport through multiple means. The animals are then moved across borders by traffickers through the use of legal freight companies. In many cases, traffickers use fraudulent documents or conceal the animals within other shipments to bypass detection. Upon successful shipping, the illegal wildlife products are then peddled and distributed to customers overseas.

The connection between logistics companies and the illegal wildlife trade is evident in this entire process. Logistics companies, whether knowingly or unknowingly, can be complicit in these activities if they do not have robust procedures in place to identify and intercept such shipments. To address this issue, logistics companies need to recognise their potential involvement in the illegal wildlife trade and adopt an ethical and proactive approach to monitor and deter shipments of these contraband goods. This includes adopting best practices, investing in detection technologies, and fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility among their employees.

By understanding their role in the supply chain, logistics companies can actively work to cause disruptions to the illegal wildlife trade at various stages. From the point of collection to final delivery, these companies have numerous opportunities to intervene and make a difference in protecting Indonesia's unique biodiversity.

Things logistics companies can help combat illegal wildlife trade

Logistics companies can significantly impact the fight against illegal wildlife trade by collaborating with international organisations, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and TRAFFIC. These partnerships provide access to resources and tools to better understand the risks and methods of animal trafficking. Additionally, employee training and awareness programmes can help logistics companies identify and report suspicious shipments, contributing to the identification of potential instances of illegal wildlife trade.

Furthermore, to strengthen their efforts in this fight, logistics companies can take advantage of the latest technologies and data analysis tools to detect potential illegal shipments. By using data to track and monitor shipments, logistics companies can identify suspicious patterns that may indicate the presence of contraband goods. This information can be shared with law enforcement agencies, who can then take the necessary action to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade. Logistics companies should also invest in enhancing their internal policies and develop strict operation protocols to ensure that all shipments are properly checked and monitored. By conducting risk assessments and implementing measures to address vulnerabilities, they can help ensure their supply chains are not exploited by wildlife traffickers. The investment in advanced technologies, such as blockchain, high-resolution X-ray scanners, GPS tracking, and infrared technology, can also play a significant role in identifying and intercepting illegal wildlife shipments.

Finally, sharing information and cooperating with national and international law enforcement agencies can also lead to more effective enforcement against wildlife trafficking. By promoting industry best practices and sharing experiences, logistics companies can encourage the adoption of successful strategies across the industry. Additionally, they can contribute to causes aimed at reducing the demand for illegal wildlife products by raising awareness and promoting the importance of conservation and sustainable use of wildlife resources.

DHL's Initiatives in Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade

As the public becomes more aware of the threats that illegal wildlife trade poses, there are opportunities for logistics companies to become key allies in the battle against wildlife trafficking. This helps in creating a safer world for these incredible creatures and their habitats. Here at DHL Express, we recognise our position and responsibility as a leading global logistics and shipping company and are committed to doing our part in concerted efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade. We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards any involvement in such acts and are dedicated to preserving Indonesia's unique biodiversity, ensuring a sustainable future for these remarkable species. Having established internal measures and external partnerships with leading organisations to help stop the illegal trade of wildlife and their parts in Indonesia, we endeavour to promote biodiversity locally and worldwide.

Discover the latest developments in logistics, supply chain management, and global efforts to protect wild animals in Indonesia by registering for a DHL Express business account today.