Illegal wildlife trade severely impacts local economy – research officer

As the illegal trade of wildlife continues to plage several countries across the globe, stakeholders in a bid to advocate against the illegal sale of wildlife recently delved into how these activities could severely impact Guyana’s thriving economy.
Wildlife trade is a common activity practiced across the globe. In Guyana the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) is responsible for managing the trade of wildlife by issuing permits and licences for the import, export, re-export or introduction from the sea of any specimen of wildlife.

While this governing body is in place to manage the sustainable use of the country’s wildlife resources, the illegal trade of wildlife has been an issue authority has been battling over the years. In fact, the illegal trade of wildlife has been identified as the 4th largest form of illicit trade in Guyana.
As part of WorldWildlifeDay celebrations on Monday, the GWCMC in collaboration with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) hosted a webinar entitled “Illicit Wildlife Trade: Impacts, Challenges, Solutions.”
Delivering remarks was Research officer at GWCMC Johann Waldron who delved into how the illegal trade of wildlife impacts the country’s economy.
“So, what the illegal trade then facilitates is ignoring the lines or ignoring the taxes, ignoring the opportunities for employment in some instances, for example, of trappers and middlemen who are also taxpayers in many instances and the illegal trade or the illicit trade removes all of that revenue from the populace, as well as from the tax agencies that are involved along the way. So, there are no licensing fees, there are no fees paid to, for example, GRA and as a result of that, there is economic loss, both at the higher level as well as at the level of persons that partake in the trade, such as the trappers themselves.”

Joining the discussion was representative from the Private Sector Commission Aretha Forde who highlighted that Guyana is a well know tourism destination due to its rare and exotic flora and fauna. On this point Forde explained that the illegal trade of wildlife in Guyana could also potentially weaken the country’s booming tourism sector.
“But it can have negative impacts for businesses as well, for those particularly that depend on tourism. Now imagine that you’re a nature resort, and you’re selling the experience of, you know, being with wildlife and being at one with nature, and there’s no wildlife around.”
She added, ““we’re trying to market Guyana and, you know, one of our members is really working assiduously with stakeholders to market Guyana as a nature paradise.”
Additionally, it was revealed that the overtrading of wildlife could lead to the destabilisation of various ecosystems.
Moreover, stakeholders have made a call to action for the strengthening of wildlife trade laws with stricter penalties for breaches. They also called for more collaboration between law enforcement organizations and other stakeholders in a bid to combat the illegal trade crisis.
World Wildlife Day 2025
World Wildlife Day which is observed annually on March 3, is an international commemoration of the vast diversity of life on Earth and an appeal for the preservation of natural environments and endangered species. This day, which was established by the United Nations in 2013, underscores the significance of wildlife preservation and sustainable living for the benefit of future generations.
“Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet” is the theme of World Wildlife Day 2025. It highlights the urgent necessity for innovative financial solutions to support conservation projects, while simultaneously acknowledging the essential role of wildlife in the preservation of ecosystems, economies, and human well-being.
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Joel- Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission Research Officer Johann Waldron
Caption: Wildlife Fair held on Sunday, March 2 in the Botanical Gardens in observance of World Wildlife Day 2025
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