Balance 2013: The numbers are terrifying. They show the destruction of the habitats of the largest wild species of the planet, in Africa and Asia, and the money illegal trade in wildlife and timber products generate. Between June 23 and 27, members of the UN Environmental First Assembly met in Nairobi, Africa, and the outlook reported there leaves no room for doubt: the holocaust of wildlife is very close.

BALANCE OF ONE YEAR – 2013

Great apes (orangutans, gorillas and chimpanzees) – 22,000 captured or killed

Elephants – 20 to 25 thousand deaths

Rhinos – more than a thousand dead

ILLEGAL MARKETS

Wood and its sub products: U.S. 30 billion to 100 billion

Fauna and flora (without fish and timber): U.S. 7 billion to 23 billion

Coal: U.S. 111 million to 289 million

Elephant ivory: U.S. 165 million to 188 million

Rhinos horns: U.S. 63 million to 123 million

TOTAL VALUE OF THIS ILLEGAL MARKET:  U.S. 70 TO 213 BILLION

These billion, besides enriching dealers, feed a well-organized criminal network of militias and terrorists, who cover and enjoy its benefits.

The devastated area, which these numbers mean, let the habitats of the most important species on earth totally vulnerable.

The UN Conference in Nairobi, attended by environment ministers, lawyers, judges, Interpol and environmental organizations, is making recommendations to all countries and societies to create stricter laws, which really are met, as well as put on display to the public the most usual routes where this clandestine trade transits, being covered up.

A holocaust of wildlife, of the most representative species, approaches. In condemning the death all these beings, we are also condemned to death – with due date – mankind.

Dr. Pedro A. Ynterian

President, GAP Project International