ANA and NAA Hold Joint Webinar to Prevent Wildlife Trafficking

Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA) joined hands with ANA HOLDINGS INC. (ANAHD), owner of ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS CO., LTD (ANA) on 11 March to co-host a webinar on preventing the use of aviation for wildlife trafficking. 

The meaningful webinar’s agenda included lectures and presentations by representatives from TRAFFIC, United for Wildlife, law enforcement agencies, the Animal Quarantine Service and Tokyo Customs. 

TRAFFIC is a leading non-governmental organisation working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. United for Wildlife was founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2014. The organization also aims to make it impossible for traffickers to transport, finance or profit from illegal wildlife products.

Benefiting from these lectures and presentations were around 210 people representing airlines, airport operators, tenants, logistics and cargo operators and other stakeholders. 
 

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Key take aways from the presenters included the fact that, due to its speed and convenience, air transport and its logistical systems were universally exploited as a means for smuggling wildlife. Presenters also emphasized the need for collaboration with airport stakeholders, particularly those working at check-in counters, security screening and cargo areas. 

Case studies were also shared, touching on how airport personnel could detect traffickers during the course of operations, by recognizing common features. Presenters also reiterated the important role airport stakeholders could play in the prevention of wildlife trafficking.

Mr. Hideharu Miyamoto, Executive Director of Narita International Airport Corporation said, “The aviation industry should strive proactively to achieve SDGs, especially biodiversity and climate change. However, the high speed and convenience of aviation is misused by global criminal syndicates. The money from such activity may fund other illegal trafficking or criminal acts and will increase threat of terrorism against society. So we should continue to work together with law enforcement organizations and airlines to raise awareness of these activities, and to establish an air transportation system that prevents exploitation by global criminals".
 
In the wake of the prolonged pandemic, NAA is reminded of the danger of zoonotic diseases risk. Prevention of wildlife trafficking is also key to minimizing the possibility of further global pandemics. 
 
As an international airport, NAA endeavors to continue raising awareness by working with stakeholders, the private sector and law enforcement agencies to prevent international crime and wildlife trafficking.

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