MOCCAE signs MoUs on combating illegal trade in endangered species

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, MOCCAE, has signed MoUs with Dubai Police, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, TRA, and Dubai Municipality, DM, on stepping up coordination in combating illegal trade in endangered species in the UAE.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Major-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, signed the MoU between the MOCCAE and Dubai Police.

Sultan Alwan, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Regions Sector at MOCCAE, signed the MoUs with the TRA, represented by Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Deputy Director-General. He also signed the MoU with Dubai Municipality, represented by Ahmed Abdulkarim Ahli, Assistant Director-General for General Support.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al Zeyoudi said, "MOCCAE has undertaken a series of measures to combat illegal wildlife trade at the federal level. Confirming the commitment of the signatories to pursuing common interests, the MoUs aim to facilitate the enforcement of Federal Law No. 11 of 2002 concerning the regulation and control of international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora. In addition, they seek to help the concerned authorities avoid duplicating efforts in the implementation of laws, rules and regulations, as well as the inspection of the relevant facilities."

Under the terms of the Dubai Police MoU, MOCCAE will report suspected traders in endangered species to them. The police will take all necessary legal actions, including launching investigations into the illegal activities and reporting the locations of endangered animals to the ministry.

Major-General Al Marri commended the great partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and all departments and institutions concerned with environmental affairs in preserving wildlife and environmental balance. He said that Dubai Police is always committed to its security and environmental role and implementing domestic and international policies for the protection of endangered plants and animals, combating any activity contrary to the principles of the preservation of these species.

Mr. Ahli said, "Dubai Municipality is one of the first local authorities to join the CITES Convention and has committed itself to the implementation of its provisions. Dubai Municipality has always been keen to reduce this illegal trade and decrease violations, based on Federal Law No. 11 for 2002 on the regulation and control of this trade."

MOCCAE and Dubai Municipality will collect statistics on violations and run periodic public awareness campaigns on the illegal wildlife trade. In addition, the ministry will support DM with capacity building to assist the parties in implementing the provisions of the MoU.

With regards to the third Memorandum, MOCCAE will provide the TRA with details of those selling endangered species on social media. The authority will coordinate with the respective social media platforms to delete posts related to illegal animal trade and poaching activities. The concerned parties will also exchange expertise and best practices in the tracking of illegal animal traders online.

Al Mismar said, "We emphasise the importance of cooperation and coordination of efforts with various government agencies on issues of mutual interest, including monitoring the trade in endangered animals. Social media platforms are widely used in the UAE, and we are working to ensure that they don’t turn into platforms for illegal trade in such products, and we are counting on the awareness of the public and the efforts of our partners in both public and private sectors. We will work in coordination with our partners to ensure that all electronic business processes and activities are in line with the laws, policies and legislation in force in the UAE."