#USA #Brussels #oneworld #Wildlife Trafficking #Buckingham Palace

oneworld Alliance Joins Forces to Combat Wildlife Trafficking

In a groundbreaking move, the oneworld® alliance, which includes 15 distinguished airlines, has announced its commitment to fight illegal wildlife trafficking by signing the Buckingham Palace Declaration (BPD). This landmark initiative makes oneworld the first airline alliance to undertake such a pledge with unanimous support from all its member airlines.

The signing took place on October 16, 2026, during the IATA Wings of Change Europe conference in Brussels. Samer Majali, President and CEO of Royal Jordanian Airlines, represented the alliance at this significant event, showcasing a unified front among airlines against a pressing global issue.

The Importance of the Declaration

The illegal wildlife trade is not just an environmental issue; it represents one of the fastest-growing forms of organized crime globally. This trade heavily relies on international transport networks to move illicit goods across borders, further complicating the fight against environmental crime. Reports estimate that wildlife crime costs the global economy over one trillion dollars annually, while drastically threatening biodiversity.

The Buckingham Palace Declaration aims to unite the transportation and logistics sectors to shut down the routes exploited by traffickers. Established by United for Wildlife (UfW) of the Royal Foundation in 2016, the declaration now gains momentum and credibility with the backing of the oneworld alliance.

Ole Orvér, CEO of oneworld, stated, “The unwavering commitment from all oneworld members enhances our capacity to detect and intercept wildlife trafficking, playing a critical role in protecting endangered species and preserving global ecosystems.”

This mission aligns with broader conservation efforts and emphasizes the airline industry's significant role in addressing wildlife trafficking challenges through collaboration with enforcement agencies and conservation partners.

Strengthening the Alliance's Initiatives

The oneworld alliance aims to enhance its existing policies through this declaration. Immediate actions include:

• - Adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward wildlife trafficking.
• - Improving screening, reporting, and compliance processes for cargo and passenger transport.
• - Training frontline personnel to recognize and respond to suspicious activities related to wildlife trafficking.
• - Collaborating with governments, customs authorities, and conservation organizations.

These measures will bolster the alliance's commitment to combating wildlife crime across its vast network that spans nearly 1,000 global destinations.

A Call for Collective Action

Lord William Hague, Co-Chairman of United for Wildlife, expressed enthusiasm about oneworld joining the coalition, stating that the signing of the declaration further strengthens the aviation sector's capability to combat organized wildlife crime. “We welcome oneworld and its 15 member airlines to the Taskforce, enhancing global efforts in wildlife trafficking prevention,” he said.

The collective action of the oneworld airlines will not only improve internal processes but also foster information sharing and partnerships with law enforcement agencies. Together, they aim to shine a light on trafficking networks operating within their respective territories.

As more organizations commit to this cause and join the coalition, there is hope for a more coordinated and effective global response to wildlife crime—a challenge that imperils our planet's future and the diversity of life it sustains.

A Look Ahead

The oneworld alliance, comprised of world-class airlines such as American Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, and many others, is dedicated to providing exceptional travel experiences. By actively engaging in environmental and social causes, they reaffirm their commitment to corporate social responsibility while enhancing their service offerings.

Further details about the oneworld alliance and its initiatives can be found on their official site at oneworld.com.

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