WRITTEN QUESTION E-1899/02

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(1 July 2002)

Subject: Illegal bushmeat trade

In western and central Africa (and stretching on occasion as far as Europe) an illegal bushmeat trade is being carried on which is so extensive as to constitute not only the most serious threat to the survival of gorillas, chimpanzees, orang-utans and gibbons but also a serious risk to public health in the regions affected.

This serious problem has been brought to light by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) which have condemned, amongst other things, the effects of this illegal trade, namely:

1. the eventual impoverishment of native peoples on account of the increasing decline in the number of wild animals which provide them with food, and

2. the spread of viral diseases such as Ebola fever and HIV/SIV amongst the human population as a result of the latter's consumption of ape meat.

In view of the risks to human health and to the natural balance which stem from this situation, will the Commission answer the following questions:

- Is it prepared to take action in order to end the crisis caused by the illegal bushmeat trade?

- Will it ensure that, in connection with logging and economic development projects involving African countries, steps are taken to halt the growth in the illegal bushmeat trade?

- Can it provide specific funding and incorporate clear terms and conditions into financial and humanitarian aid programmes?

- Is it willing to offer support for initiatives which enhance the protected areas?

- Does it consider that, for the purpose of combating the illegal bushmeat trade, independent bodies (such as Global Witness) should be brought in to check that the above-mentioned terms and conditions are observed?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2002)

The Commission is aware of the campaign led by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) on the bushmeat issue and shares the concern about illegal bushmeat trade.

Community legislation already provides a means of addressing the conservation aspects of this problem. Some of the species endangered by the bushmeat crisis, like gorillas and chimpanzees, are included in Annex A to Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein(1), which implements the Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES). The introduction into the Community of specimens or parts of derivatives of these species is strictly controlled under this regulation. Import for commercial trade of endangered species included in its Annex A is prohibited.

At present, the Commission finances several conservation projects in Africa in general and particularly in the Central African region which address this issue.

For example:

- The Ecofac Programme (Ecosystèmes Forestières Afrique Centrale) has several components in and around major protected areas to combat, control or prevent poaching;

- The project ABAC (Alternatives au Braconnage en Afrique Centrale) specifically aims to reduce poaching by making meat more regularly available on a controlled basis. This should reduce pressure on animals living in the wild.

Further support for projects depends on requests from the developing countries themselves. With regard to the involvement of independent bodies, the Commission welcomes any information from any organisation which would assist it in implementing its wildlife trade legislation and in monitoring the effectiveness of the projects it funds. It also uses its own Delegations in the relevant countries to obtain such information.

(1) OJ L 61, 3.3.1997.