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AVA awarded CITES certificate of commendation for exemplary enforcement action, 27 July 2017

27 July 2017

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     Singapore is honoured to be awarded the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Secretary-General’s Certificate of Commendation on 22 July 2017.

2   The CITES Secretary-General’s Certificate of Commendation formally recognises exemplary enforcement actions and was awarded to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), Singapore’s CITES Management Authority. This was in recognition of the exemplary work by Singapore authorities in securing successful convictions for the illegal import of a shipment of 3,235 metric tonnes (29,434 pieces) of CITES-listed rosewood (Dalbergia spp.) logs, on 14 March 2014. The market value of the logs was estimated to be in excess of USD 50 million.

3   Speaking at the award ceremony, CITES Secretary-General John E. Scanlon said: “This case represents an excellent example of persistence paying off with the authorities in Singapore securing convictions against those involved in the illegal trade in CITES-listed specimens. The efforts by Singapore’s CITES Management Authority, the AVA, are testament to the outstanding work being done in Singapore to combat wildlife and forest crime. These convictions send a clear message that wildlife crime will not be tolerated in Singapore, and that those involved will be brought to justice.”

4   Singapore does not condone the illegal trade in wildlife and has zero tolerance on the use of Singapore as a conduit for wildlife trafficking and timber smuggling. We adopt a multi-prong and whole-of-government approach underpinned by a robust enforcement regime to deter illegal wildlife trade. The successful convictions were made possible through strong collaboration with Singapore Customs and the Attorney-General’s Chambers. Besides rosewood, Singapore has also made a number of successful seizures of ivory, rhinoceros horns, pangolin scales, tortoises and turtles. The timely sharing of intelligence, international collaboration and perseverance are important for combatting illegal wildlife trade.

Issued by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore

On 27 July 2017

Five people in suits at a table with a "CHAIR" sign and a green banner with animal silhouettes.

CITES photo, from left to right: Mr Mathias Lörtscher (Chair, CITES Animal Committee), Ambassador Foo Kok Jwee (Permanent Representative of the Republic of Singapore to the United Nations Office), Mr John Scanlon (Secretary-General, CITES), Dr Yap Him Hoo (Director-General, AVA), Ms Adrianne Sinclair (Chair, CITES Plant Committee)

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