The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) hosted the Maritime Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Conference in Singapore from 25th to 27th February 2025, to address the pressing issue of the IWT in marine species.
Supported by the UK Government, this event united key Southeast Asian and global stakeholders from government, NGOs, academia, and the private sector to explore cutting-edge technologies and strategies to tackle marine IWT, advancing global efforts to protect marine biodiversity in the ASEAN region and promoting sustainable trade practices.
With around 90% of global trade and illegal wildlife trafficking occurring via maritime transport, regional coordination and innovative solutions are more crucial than ever.
UK Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Sarah Tiffin said:
Through the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action, the UK is committed to working with ASEAN to enhance regional cooperation and help build Member States’ capacities to prevent and repress the illicit trafficking of wildlife. We are delighted to welcome government representatives from across the ASEAN region to this conference to contribute to the depth and breadth of their expertise through talks, case studies and workshop sessions. IWT is a big concern; it not only affects national fishing industries, but livelihoods and increasing knock-on transnational crime that spills from the maritime space to land.
The Chair of ASEAN Working Group on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and Wildlife Enforcement, Mr Athapol Charoenshunsa said:
The illegal wildlife trade threatens key marine species such as sharks, rays, turtles, and corals in Southeast Asia, drawing increasing attention as efforts to combat its impact intensify. The potential for tools and technology to address these concerns is promising, and the ASEAN Working Group on CITES and Wildlife Enforcement has supported this conference since its inception to strengthen ASEAN-UK collaboration.
The Maritime IWT Conference is organised in partnership with the cooperation of National Parks Board (NParks) Singapore.
NParks’ CEO, Ms Hwang Yu-Ning said:
Singapore is privileged to host the Maritime Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference, providing a platform for representatives from ASEAN member states, the UK, and other partners to convene and share knowledge. In line with the theme of the conference, we recognise the importance of utilising new and emerging tools in this global fight and will continue to strengthen our partnerships and enhance our collective efforts in tackling illegal wildlife trade and protecting biodiversity more effectively.
The UK is committed to tackling IWT in marine species particularly through its support of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN Maritime Outlook. By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, the conference aimed to foster partnerships and enhance regional cooperation. Given the tangible negative effects that the illegal trade of marine species has on the ASEAN region, including impacts on livelihoods, the facilitation of corruption and the spread of wildlife disease, this conference and its outcomes are of paramount importance to the UK Mission to ASEAN.
This initiative aligns with the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action (2022-26), which includes commitments to combat the illegal trade in wildlife and timber pursuant to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other relevant conventions and agreements.
