The "Combating Wildlife Trafficking" Signature Event will be an opportunity for African leaders to join together and share their ideas on how to best counter the poaching threat and inspire African youth to safeguard their natural heritage for future generations. The United States seeks African perspectives on wildlife trafficking, poaching, and protection of natural resources to inform future efforts in this arena. By including Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Fellows in the event, we hope to mobilize the next generation of African leaders in wildlife conservation through national, regional, and community-based solutions.
Wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise that is a critical conservation concern and global security threat. This past February, President Obama approved a new National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking that underscores the United States' commitment to help stem this illegal trade that is decimating species and undermining
