PRINCE WILLIAM has come as near as dammit to blaming the coronavirus pandemic on the illegal wildlife trade.
Giving as broad a hint as his advisers will have believed he could risk while staying within royal protocol, the second in line to the UK throne in July told a virtual meeting of leading conservation organisations there had never been such a strong “global incentive” to tackle the lawless commercialisation of wild creatures.
Referring to illnesses that can pass from animals to people, he said: “Right now, there is a real chance to ensure that the urgent steps that the world must take to prevent future zoonotic disease pandemics are designed in a way that also helps to eradicate the illegal wildlife trade.”
The meeting was co-ordinated by United for Wildlife, an organisation William set up in 2014 to bring together groups working to prevent species extinction.
Backed by The Royal Foundation, his main philanthropic vehicle, it seeks to unite wildlife charities with law enforcement agencies, governments and corporations.
The event, chaired by former UK foreign secretary William Hague, attract about 700 attendees and heard discussion not only on how to end the illegal wildlife trade but on the impact of Covid-19 on conservation, as well as the links between zoonotic diseases and the wildlife trade.
Giving as broad a hint as his advisers will have believed he could risk while staying within royal protocol, the second in line to the UK throne in July told a virtual meeting of leading conservation organisations there had never been such a strong “global incentive” to tackle the lawless commercialisation of wild creatures.
Referring to illnesses that can pass from animals to people, he said: “Right now, there is a real chance to ensure that the urgent steps that the world must take to prevent future zoonotic disease pandemics are designed in a way that also helps to eradicate the illegal wildlife trade.”
The meeting was co-ordinated by United for Wildlife, an organisation William set up in 2014 to bring together groups working to prevent species extinction.
Backed by The Royal Foundation, his main philanthropic vehicle, it seeks to unite wildlife charities with law enforcement agencies, governments and corporations.
The event, chaired by former UK foreign secretary William Hague, attract about 700 attendees and heard discussion not only on how to end the illegal wildlife trade but on the impact of Covid-19 on conservation, as well as the links between zoonotic diseases and the wildlife trade.
Bronterre News 