Speech by Minister Desmond Lee at the Opening of the Centre for Wildlife Forensics
Aug 27, 2021
Thank you for joining us at the opening of the new Centre for Wildlife Forensics.
The illegal wildlife trade threatens the survival of endangered species, and harms habitats and ecosystems all around the world.
Singapore is committed to the global fight against the illegal wildlife trade. As an international trading hub, we take this issue very seriously. But we cannot do this alone. That is why we are a signatory to CITES – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. And also why we have put in place a Whole-of-Government enforcement framework, and are working closely with a robust network of regional and international partners.
Today, I’d like to share a little bit more about our ongoing efforts in fighting the illegal trade in wildlife.
Opening of the Centre for Wildlife Forensics
First, we make good use of science and technology, and collaborate with local and international wildlife experts, to better understand the patterns of illegal wildlife trade.
We began work last year to establish the Centre for Wildlife Forensics, to build up our capabilities in wildlife forensic science and to facilitate research. Such capabilities include molecular methods like DNA barcoding, and genetics and chemical analysis methods that identify animal and timber species. These aid our investigations and support our prosecution of illegal wildlife trade.
Today, I am pleased to join you to declare the Centre officially open. Over the past year, we have enhanced our systems and equipment, and improved our sampling and testing methodologies. This will allow us to identify specimens on a larger scale, more efficiently and rapidly. For example, parallel detection of various genetic markers can take place simultaneously to determine the probable geographical origins of illegally traded wildlife products, such as elephant ivory or pangolin scales. Such insights can also be shared with our regional and international partners so that they can better target their enforcement efforts against poaching and wildlife trafficking at source.
Ongoing Studies of Ivory and Pangolin Scale Seizures
Through this Centre, we are also collaborating with international experts on two studies related to ivory and pangolin scale seizures. Our colleagues at NParks is conducting these studies in partnership with renowned conservation biologist, Professor Samuel K Wasser, from the University of Washington. Now the first study genetically matches elephant tusk samples in and across seizures to identify familial links that could exist between parent and offspring, or between siblings. The second study aims to develop and validate testing protocols for large-volume pangolin seizures to establish a pangolin genetic reference map that will eventually be used to assess familial relationships between samples.
The results of these studies will help us determine the likely geographical origins of the animals and how they are connected across seizures, to uncover the trafficking networks of the criminal organisations that trade in illegal ivory and pangolin scales.
Such cross-border collaboration is crucial if we want to stop illegal wildlife trade. We will share the findings from these studies and other research projects with the international community, while also learning from the studies conducted in other countries. This way, we can collectively strengthen our global expertise and enforcement efforts against the criminal syndicates and networks that conduct illegal wildlife trade.
Impending Commencement of Domestic Ivory Trade Ban
Beyond conducting research, we are also actively strengthening our regulatory framework and enforcement capabilities, so that we can take effective action against illegal wildlife trade. The same day that we announced our intent to establish the Centre for Wildlife Forensics last year in August, we crushed nine tonnes of seized ivory – to underscore our commitment to combating illegal ivory trade. But that was not just a symbolic gesture. We also announced a ban on domestic ivory trade in 2019. This includes ivory that was brought into Singapore before 1990, when CITES implemented a ban on international trade in elephant ivory. The trade in such pre-Convention or pre-CITES ivory is currently not regulated, so once our upcoming ban takes effect, we will be able to close this loophole on our shores.
Our domestic ivory ban will come into effect in just a few days – on 1 September 2021. Since we first announced this, we have been engaging industry and the community to raise awareness of the ban and to offer our assistance to manage their pre-Convention ivory stock. Once the ban comes into effect, advertising, selling, or displaying pre-Convention elephant ivory or ivory products for sale will no longer be permitted in Singapore. This ban further supports international efforts to curb illegal ivory trade.
Introduction of the NParks K9 Unit
I am also delighted this morning to unveil a new K9 Unit within NParks, that will help us detect illegal wildlife and wildlife products passing through our borders.
For the first time, we are deploying sniffer dogs which are specially trained to detect wildlife and wildlife products. Our dogs and their handlers will be deployed at border checkpoints to support our border control agencies to detect wildlife contraband. This will help us to crack down on illegal wildlife smuggling operations, and do our part to disrupt the global supply chain of illegally traded wildlife and wildlife products.
We will get to meet some of our dogs and their handlers this morning.
Ongoing Review of the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act
By taking a science-based approach, and by continually strengthening our regulatory and enforcement capabilities, we can do our part to stop illegal wildlife trade.
This is an ongoing process. In fact, we are currently reviewing our laws to strengthen our regulatory regime and enforcement powers to tackle illegal wildlife trade. We will share more details of our review of the Endangered Species legislation when ready.
Conclusion
Let me conclude by thanking all our partners for working closely with us in establishing the Centre for Wildlife Forensics today.
The illegal wildlife trade is a serious international threat to endangered species and ecosystems around the world. Countries must recognise that it is our shared responsibility to safeguard the Earth’s natural heritage and resources for our future generations. And, be willing to work with the international community and with each other to tackle this problem comprehensively. Singapore is resolved in our fight against illegal wildlife trade. And we look forward to more collaborations with our international partners and with CITES on this front.
Thank you and good morning.