Unprecedented Opportunity
The producers have obtained unique access to the leaders of the two ‘special regions’ in northern Burma who are in direct control of these open markets. These leaders have consented to take action against illegal wildlife traders in their areas of control and have expressed great interest in having their efforts documented. The incentive for these groups to commit to this ‘shut-down’ process and the documenting of lies in the fact that they after decades of relative isolation, they are now willing to engage the international community and be seen as doing something positive on a critical issue that transcends politics.
This unrivalled access and direct engagement with these groups will see wildlife laws implemented and enforced in this area for the first time. It will also bring to the world never-before seen footage of a region and a wildlife crisis previously known only to those engaged in the trade.
Background & Rationale
The economic development of Asia has brought with it rapid infrastructure expansion, making formerly remote areas of Tiger habitat more accessible to poachers, and also enabling the rapid transport by road and air of Tigers and other illegally poached natural resources.
Wild Tiger populations have dropped to a global total of around only 3200 individuals, a number that is continually threatened by a deadly combination of shrinking habitat, lack of available prey species, and illegal poaching and trade.
Economic development has also brought increased purchasing power in consumer countries such as China, where cultural traditions of use – whether for perceived medicinal benefits or as luxury goods/trophies – persist and have become symbols of ‘new wealth’ and status. These factors all play out along China’s borders with Tiger range... Read More
Project Goals
1. Reduce illegal wildlife trade passing from South Asia and Southeast Asia through Burma to China by exposing the scale of the current problem.
2. Significantly increase the level of understanding within governments and intergovernmental organisations about the dynamics of illegal Tiger trade. Influence policy makers in Tiger range states to act urgently and effectively to curb the poaching of, and trade in, Tigers and other endangered wildlife species.
3. Gather greater public attention to the fact that illegal human activity has negative consequences for the survival of Tiger populations, as well as the wild lands they inhabit, and that benefits to human communities are lost through ecosystem decline as a result of illegal wildlife poaching and trade.
