Posted by admin in Endangered Animals, Green Articles, Green Leaders, featured | 0 Comments
U.S. Troops trained to protect our nation – and endangered animals
Warning: strip_tags() expects parameter 1 to be string, array given in /home/propelea/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 631
U.S. troops will soon undergo a new protection training program before heading to Iraq or Afghanistan – one that will help in the protection of endangered animals and fight illicit wildlife trade.
According to a report from the New York Times, the Pentagon will partner with a conservation group to provide soldiers with education about how to identify clothes, blankets and other items that might be made from endangered species – particularly furs of animals protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) or U.S. laws.
Unknowingly buying illegal wildlife trade items is apparently a major problem for many young soldiers face when shopping for necessary items or gifts to bring home. Statistics from the Wildlife Conservation Society show that 350 illegally traded wildlife items were confiscated at just three U.S. bases in Afghanistan in the spring and summer of 2008.
While such products are confiscated, soldiers who unwittingly buy illegal furs are often prosecuted for smuggling. As a result, they can face jail time or major fines. Perhaps worse, once the product has been purchased, the damage is already done. The money has gone to a vendor and fueled illegal wildlife trade.
The Pentagon is providing $50,000 for the education initiative. The new program will teach soldiers how to decipher which animals’ pelts are used in blankets and coats through PowerPoint presentations, hand-held endangered species cards they can keep with them at all times and other teaching tools to be completed this spring.
Additionally, the New York Times reports that military police warn vendors not to bring illegal fur products to bases and repeat offenders are banned.
Armed with this new training to confront the enemy of trade in products made from endangered animals, American troops might be better prepared to make the world a safer place.
Related Posts
