Wildlife trade is a growing global issue, with the European Union (EU) serving as a key hub. The EU’s regulations are based on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), but they often fall short of ensuring that all traded species are documented, legal, and sustainable. The 2022 EU Action Plan against wildlife trafficking is a positive step, yet it lacks comprehensive measures to cover all species, both legal and illegal, within the EU’s borders. Expanding the EU-TWIX database and adopting stricter regulations, similar to the US Lacey Act, could help address gaps in tracking wildlife trade and ensuring sustainability. The EU must also require proof of sustainable trade for legally imported species to protect biodiversity and promote environmental responsibility.
Published in Science, 7 Mar 2024
