The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said
Tuesday crimes against nature - such as poaching and
deforestation - put hundreds of species at risk, including in
Italy.
The environmentalist organization issued its statement on
the second annual World Wildlife Day, declared by the United
Nations on March 3 to coincide with the adoption of the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
The WWF has so far gathered 55,000 signatures on a petition
to make the killing of protected wildlife a crime, and not just
a violation punishable with a fine.
Crimes against wildlife make up 22% of environmental
crimes, the organization said.
Species at risk in Italy include wolves - with an estimated
300 killed every year - bears, eagles and sea turtles.
"Protected species, like the environment and biodiversity,
are an asset and a resource belonging to the community as a
whole," said Isabella Pratesi, conservation director of WWF
Italy.
"Crimes against nature are worth yearly turnover of 213
billion dollars and are a business that feeds criminal systems,"
she added.
"Putting a stop to this animal slaughter must be made a
priority objective of all government agendas".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
