Prince William Tackles Wildlife Trafficking During U.S. Visit

Prince William and Kate Middleton
The wife of Prince William, Kate Middleton recently visited a hospital school for mentally ill children. |

Prince William appeared in Washington on Monday to discuss his plan on how to combat wildlife trafficking around the globe, according to the National Geographic.

According to the Duke of Cambridge, he wants to form a task force under the supervision of the United for Wildlife Royal Organization to monitor the different aspects of the transportation sector. By keeping an eye on airlines and other courier services, the task force will act to put an end to illegal trade of animals and their byproducts.

The task force will be headed by William Hague, the chairman of the London Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade.

"The taskforce will work with the transport industry to develop recommendations for how it can play its part in shutting down wildlife trafficking trade routes; with the sole intention that the implementation of these recommendations will lead to a tangible and significant reduction in the illegal wildlife trade," William said in his speech.

Prince William noted that the task force will operate internationally. He believes this is an effective way in stopping poachers and those involved in illegal trade since they are accustomed to evading local laws.

Through the actions of the task force, Williams aims to restrict the activities of culprits by taking away their resources, the Associated Press reported.

"Our collective goal must be to reduce the wildlife trade by making it harder: denying traffickers access to transportation, putting up barriers to their illegal activities, and holding people accountable for their actions," he said.

Although China is considered as one of the major countries where illegal wildlife trafficking is prevalent, Prince William commended the country's government for coordinating with local organizations to stop the shark's fin trade.

William also praised the U.S. government's Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory for being the only scientific facility in the world that is dedicated to analyzing crimes against animals.

After his appearance at the World Bank, Prince William met with Chelsea Clinton and her mother, Hilary Rodham Clinton in a ceremony to honor the efforts of conservation organizations.