The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and Irdeto have partnered to combat poaching and wildlife crimes online. The illegal selling of animal parts is the fourth biggest illicit industry worldwide behind drugs, counterfeit goods and human trafficking. These wildlife crimes not only decimate animal populations but also have a negative effect on the entire ecosystem, impacting local economies that rely on these ecosystems for tourism.
By joining forces, AWF and Irdeto aim to protect animals from these crimes by leveraging Irdeto’s suite of cybersecurity services and technologies to investigate, identify and disrupt the sale of animal parts on the internet. The partnership will also work with local law enforcement, providing key forensic data and intelligence to help locate and arrest the criminals responsible for this illegal trading.
“The global illegal wildlife trade generates between $7 billion and $23 billion in illicit revenue every year,” said Kaddu Sebunya, President, AWF. “Our mission is to ensure wildlife and wild lands thrive in modern Africa. If this illicit industry continues to thrive, then our mission is in jeopardy. Together with Irdeto, we have an incredible opportunity to bring about a positive change, disrupt this illicit industry and make a positive impact on wildlife in Africa as well as across the globe.”
AWF is an international conservation organization that focuses on critically important landscapes in Africa, including strategies designed to protect the wildlife and wild lands of Africa and ensure a more sustainable future for Africa’s people.
Irdeto and AWF’s strategic partnership not only identifies different types of wildlife crimes across digital channels, but also provides the evidence needed to prosecute poachers and wildlife criminals. By disrupting illegal activities, this partnership can make a difference and ensure that endangered and threatened wildlife species are around for future generations.
“We are in a unique and lucky position to be able to use our cybersecurity expertise and technology for good,” said Doug Lowther, CEO, Irdeto. “When we announced to employees our intention to kickstart this philanthropic wildlife initiative, I was tremendously encouraged by the outpouring of support and the eagerness to get involved in this cause.
“The passion from our team was there, we just needed a like-minded partner that shared our enthusiasm for this cause. We have found that partner in AWF and I am proud that we can harness our expertise and technology for a good and just cause.”
