Nigeria seeks new law to tackle wildlife crime

A new law to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species has passed its first reading at Nigeria’s House of Representatives. The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill would make the country compliant with international conventions on endangered species, organised crime and corruption while increasing investigative powers to include financial enquiries and intelligence-led operations. EIA Executive Director Mary Rice stated: “This legislation is a potential game-changer.”

China undermines its conservation leader aim

Almost two years since announcing it would revise its Wildlife Protection Law, the Chinese Government has published its proposed changes – unfortunately, its emphasis is on “utilisation”, undermining the country’s own ambition to be a conservation leader.