This archive report was first published on 25 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, a pressing issue has come to the forefront: the need for a global ban on wildlife trade. This multi-billion-dollar industry has cost the world trillions, and it's time to stop it.
According to reports, the COVID-19 virus, which has brought the world to its knees, is believed to have originated from wild animal markets in Wuhan, China. While China has since imposed a ban on wildlife trade, the world needs to follow suit to prevent future pandemics.
Speaking during a webinar with various stakeholders, World Animal Protection's Wildlife Campaign Manager for Africa, Edith Kabesiime, emphasized the need for a global solution to a global problem. 'The G20 Summit will be an opportunity to right a wrong. World leaders can make better choices by making sure that they play a lead role in preventing wildlife trade by leading the lobbying in their own countries,' she said.
As the biggest markets for wild animals, G20 nations have a duty to ensure that a COVID-19-like pandemic does not replicate itself in the future. Kabesiime suggests presenting alternatives to wildlife traders, such as providing resources and training to enable them to ditch animals for plants. The Chinese government has already implemented a buy-out scheme for wildlife farmers, offering them resources and training to transition to plant-based farming.
However, the issue of wildlife trade goes beyond the risk of pandemics. It also involves the cruelty meted out to wild animals while they are traded. After being sold to buyers, the animals are often kept in small cages and denied the opportunity to interact and develop naturally. 'While they are transported, the animals are also exposed to fear, hunger, thirst, disease, injury, and lack of access to their natural habitat,' Kabesiime added.
