Qatar, USAID Combat Wildlife Trafficking

Qatar Airways has joined a select group of private sector, nongovernment organisations and government agencies in a concerted response to combat wildlife crime across transportation networks. The airline said it is now a partner in the USAID Reducing Opportunities for Unlawful Transport of Endangered Species (ROUTES) Partnership and has increased its commitment as a signatory to the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration to protect endangered species from illegal trade and transportation. Alongside ROUTES, Qatar Airways said it would help raise awareness and build capacity with Qatar Airways staff and strengthen solutions to help stop the trafficking of wildlife. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We have a prominent position in establishing industry solutions to global threats, such as the illegal transportation of endangered wildlife. Qatar Airways is proud to stand with other aviation industry leaders to state that we have zero tolerance for this criminal activity. As a result, we have devoted resources to raise awareness to not only eliminate wildlife trafficking, but to protect these creatures that we value.” ROUTES Partnership Chair, Ms. Michelle Owen, said: “We are thrilled that Qatar Airways is joining ROUTES and taking an increased leadership role against wildlife trafficking within the aviation sector.