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U.S. Efforts in Support of Wildlife Conservation and to Combat Wildlife Trafficking

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Claudia McMurray Date: Wednesday, 27 June 2007 Time: 10:00 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT) View Webchat Transcript

Wildlife trafficking generates about $10 billion annually on the black market. The demand for exotic pets, rare skins and furs, and traditional medicines is undermining global efforts to protect endangered and threatened species. The illegal trade in wildlife may also contribute to the spread of virulent infectious diseases, such as avian flu and SARS. In June 2007, Assistant Secretary for Oceans, Environment, and Science Claudia A. McMurray led an international discussion on partnerships to improve wildlife law enforcement at the regional and international level, including the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking, at the annual conference of Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) on June 5, 2007, in The Hague, The Netherlands. Join Claudia McMurray for a discussion of U.S. and international efforts to protect the world's natural treasures.

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Guest Biography: Claudia A. McMurray was sworn as Assistant Secretary for Oceans, Environment and Science on February 21, 2006. The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs is responsible for a broad portfolio of global issues related to: environmental protection and climate change; conservation of the earth’s resources including the oceans, forests, wildlife and fisheries; international health issues including avian influenza and polio; and cooperation with other nations concerning science, technology, bioterrorism, and the use of outer space. The Bureau advances U.S. interests on these issues both bilaterally and through a wide range of multilateral agreements and organizations. From 2003 to 2006, Ms. McMurray served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Environment. In that position, her portfolio included all international environmental issues, including those related to free trade agreements, as well as wildlife and natural resource conservation issues.