Combating Wildlife Trafficking (E.O. 13648)

Summary

Creates a special government group to stop the illegal hunting and selling of protected animals and to work with other countries to end this harmful trade.

What problem does this solve?

Organized criminal groups are illegally hunting and selling protected animals, which harms the animals and makes the world less safe. This order brings different government departments together to create a national plan to fight this problem.

What does this order do?

Establishes a Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking

Creates a new group co-chaired by the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Interior, and the Attorney General to lead the U.S. government's fight against wildlife trafficking.

Requires a national strategy to be created

Directs the new Task Force to develop a national plan for fighting wildlife trafficking. This plan will include ways to stop poaching, improve law enforcement, and reduce the demand for illegal animal products.

Creates an Advisory Council of outside experts

Forms a council of eight members from outside the government, such as private companies and non-profit groups, to give advice and support to the Task Force.

Increases help for other countries

Commits the United States to helping other nations build their ability to stop wildlife trafficking, enforce their own laws, and punish criminals.

Aims to reduce demand for illegal wildlife products

Makes it a goal for the United States to lower the desire for illegally traded wildlife products, both in the U.S. and in other countries, while still allowing legal wildlife trade.

Who does this affect?

Federal government agencies
Conservation organizations
International criminal groups

What is the real world impact?

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Protects endangered animals and the environment

Strengthens efforts to save species like elephants, rhinos, and tigers from being wiped out by illegal hunting. This helps keep the planet's natural systems healthy and provides benefits for all nations.

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Disrupts international criminal groups

Targets the billions of dollars that organized crime groups make from illegal wildlife sales. By stopping this trade, it helps reduce the power of these groups and makes the world more stable and secure.

When does this start?

This order is effective immediately as of July 1, 2013, and sets several deadlines for government action.

Task Force First Meeting

The new Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking must hold its first meeting within 60 days of the order, by August 30, 2013.

Review of Crime Strategy

The Task Force must review the government's strategy for fighting international organized crime and recommend changes within 90 days, by September 29, 2013.

National Strategy Deadline

The Task Force is required to create and present a National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking within 180 days, by December 28, 2013.

Advisory Council Establishment

An Advisory Council made up of non-government experts must be established within 180 days, by December 28, 2013.