With technological advancements infiltrating our lives at a more rapid rate than ever, it will be a pity if we fail to tap on its abundance of resources to help us reduce illegal wildlife trade. With the aid of technology, it helps to increase the accessibility and transmission of information, which can be essential in preventing wildlife crime. Furthermore, we can tap on the fact that technology is “borderless”, thus it will be able to reach a greater audience than what traditional media can. We will mainly focus on the mobile apps that have been developed to raise awareness within the public and also to aid law enforcement officials.
For example, recently in 2014. TRAFFIC partnered the Taronga Conservation Society Australia to create a new ‘wildlife witness’ app and it was first introduced in Malaysia. As Southeast Asia is of the main sources, as well as consumer region for illegal wildlife products, TRAFFIC has decide to pilot the project in this part of the world.
Photo Credits: http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2014/04/14/wildlife-app-receives-encouraging-response/
Within 5 days of its launch, the app received more than 500 downloads, which was definitely delightful knowledge for TRAFFIC. Once individuals download the app, they can now report suspected illegal wildlife trade by simply taking a photo, tagging the location and sending these details to TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC hopes that by reducing the hassle to report the crime, more individuals will be more proactive in standing up against it.
The app also retains its informative element by providing information of species threatened by illegal wildlife trade and how the trade is carried out. It also provides tips on how wildlife trade can be reported safely without bringing the individual to harm, which can provide a greater ease of mind. TRAFFIC hopes to spread the usage of this app even to tourists who are visiting Southeast Asia in order to prevent them purchasing wildlife products out of ignorance. (Maybe we can do them a favor today and download the app as well – best of all, it is free)
Photo Credits: http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/environment/130345/new-technology-to-combat-illegal-wildlife-trade-launched-in-vietnam.html
Similarly, in Vietnam and Thailand, a new app known as Wildscan has also been introduced to local law enforcement officials. The app contains an unique identification function with detailed information and photos of some of the most commonly traded species in Southeast Asia. It is designed with the intention to help frontline wildlife law enforcement agencies quickly and accurately identify the trafficking of illegal animal products when it occurs.
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