WCS Applauds Leadership of Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo
and Calls for Port of Entry Monitoring in Global Wildlife Conservation,
Coordination, and Enhancement Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. (JULY 28, 2009) The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Executive Vice President of Public Affairs John Calvelli submitted testimony today applauding the leadership of Subcommittee Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU) for championing the Global Wildlife Conservation, Coordination, and Enhancement Act’s (H.R. 3086) broad approach to dealing with conservation challenges that include habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, climate change and emerging wildlife diseases. 

While the bill offers a far-reaching array of conservation measures, Calvelli added that it can be strengthened by provisions for the monitoring of illegal wildlife trade at ports of entry in the United States.

 “Congress is familiar with the threats posed by the illegal wildlife trade to endangered species –unfortunately this is only part of the story,” said Calvelli in his statement submitted to the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife. “Threats that trade poses to humans such as the possibility for spreading disease, or to local ecosystems in the form of invasive species, must also be considered. We urge Congress to include provisions that would empower the Department of Interior to partner with non-governmental organizations in creating regional pilot projects in the U.S. for monitoring wildlife and wildlife products in large ports of entry. By doing so, the Global Wildlife Conservation, Coordination, and Enhancement Act will offer a more comprehensive approach to preventing the illegal wildlife trade and to mitigating its impacts.”

Contact
Stephen Sautner: (1-718-220-3682; ssautner@wcs.org)
Scott Smith: (1-718-220-3698; ssmith@wcs.org)


The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide.  We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo.  Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony.  WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth. Visit: www.wcs.org

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