Illegal Trade of Rare Wild Plants Rings Alarm Bells Again! Wenzhou Customs Intercepted 89 Endangered Succulents

 

Original Chinese Article | Shen Yihang

In September 2024, Wenzhou Customs, during a routine X-ray inspection of an inbound parcel, found an abnormal image and suspected that the parcel might contain a large number of plants. Upon opening the box for inspection, 89 live succulents were found wrapped in tissue paper inside the parcel. The plants were identified by experts as endangered species belonging to the cactus family, which are listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including rare and various species of peonies.

According to the report, at present, the plants have been temporarily detained by the Customs, waiting for further processing. Wenzhou Customs also reminded the public that the import and export of endangered species and their products must be in possession of legal import and export certificates and go through relevant procedures in accordance with the regulations, and those who violate the regulations may face criminal liability. This incident is the tip of the iceberg of illegal wildlife trade (IWT), which not only reveals the secrecy and harmfulness of smuggling activities, but also reflects the huge challenges faced by global biodiversity protection. The smuggling of endangered plants, which often involves high economic benefits, has made these plants the target of smugglers because of their rarity and market demand. Although relevant laws and regulations are constantly being improved, combating these illegal behaviours still faces many difficulties due to the covert and complex nature of smuggling activities.

In the dark corners of the illegal wildlife trade, plants are often overshadowed by animals. Despite the fact that they are the cornerstone of the ecosystem, providing food and habitat for countless organisms, the illegal trade in plants seldom attracts widespread public attention. Behind this phenomenon lies both the relatively low economic value of plants in the marketplace and their hidden trade practices. However, it is important to realise that the disappearance of plants will directly threaten the stability of the entire ecosystem, with consequences far more serious than we can imagine. In recent years, under the operation of capital, more and more transnational illegal wild plant trade has been quietly carried out with the rise of the ‘exotic favourite’ collection of rare plants. Previously, in order to protect endangered plants, the Botanical Garden Working Committee of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) launched the Clean Internet for Conophytum Initiative, aiming to crack down on illegal wildlife trade, especially transnational poaching and illegal succulents, by cleaning up illegal wild plant trade on trading platforms. The initiative aims to combat illegal wildlife trade activities, especially transnational poaching and illegal succulent trade, by cleaning up the illegal wild plant trade on trading platforms, in order to protect biodiversity and build a global community of life. The campaign was launched on 9 March 2023, with the support and participation of the public, nature conservationists, horticulturalists and enterprises.

The CBCGDF Clean Internet for Conophytum Initiative working group will continue to monitor the progress of this interception by Wenzhou Customs.

(Note: The article only represents the author's own views, rather than the views of the platform. Welcome to leave a message, discussion.)

Original Chinese Article | Shen Yihang

Edited by: Samantha  

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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