Each March 3., the world commemorates the World Wildlife Day (WWD), highlighting the fundamental role of flora and fauna in ecosystems, the economy and human well-being. In 2025, the campaign focuses on financing for conservation, under the slogan: "Financing wildlife conservation: Investing in people and planet".
In this context, the World Customs Organization (WCO) reaffirmed the importance of the role of customs administrations in protecting biodiversity, by combating illegal trafficking of species and facilitating legal trade in endangered flora and fauna.
El Secretary General of the WCO, Ian Saunders, stressed that customs are an essential barrier against illegal wildlife trade, noting that their work not only preserves ecosystems, but also protects economies and strengthens global security.Criminals who traffic in wildlife are constantly adapting, and so must we, especially through intelligence-driven enforcement, strategic partnerships and advanced technology."I affirm.
To meet this challenge, the World Customs Organization has strengthened the capabilities of customs administrations through specialized training, cooperation with law enforcement agencies and international operations. Initiatives such as the THUNDER and PRAESIDIO III series have led to the seizure of illegal shipments and the dismantling of trafficking networks in the Americas, Africa and Asia. The selected images on the cover illustrate these efforts.
Photo 1: In December 2024, within the framework of the Operation Thunder 2024, The Peruvian Customs, a country located on the west coast of South America, seized 3.700 copies of Cyathea amazonicaThe shipment, originating in Ecuador, had been hidden in a passenger van and was detected during a routine check inside the country.
Photo 2: Also in December 2024, the Nigerian Customs, a nation located in West Africa, seized 10 grey parrots a pedestrian at a land border crossing. The birds, prepared for export, were detected in a routine check. The seizure was carried out as part of the Operation Thunder 2024.
Photo 3: In July 2024, the Sri Lanka Customs, a South Asian island state in the Indian Ocean, seized a serval cat at Bandaranaike International Airport to a passenger from Russia. The interception was carried out due to the lack of prior approval from the country of destination (Sri Lanka) and was registered under the Operation PRAESIDIO III.
The agency also recalled its efforts to exchange information and adopt best practices to optimize border controls.
On this World Wildlife Day, the WCO reaffirmed its commitment to the UN to invest in the protection of biodiversity, stressing that this is not an option, but an imperative to ensure a sustainable future for both the planet and humanity.WCO News)
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
