The Duke of Cambridge has held an audience with the President of Colombia.
William’s meeting with Ivan Duque Marquez followed the South American nation becoming the first country in the world to sign up to United for Wildlife’s declaration on tackling illegal wildlife trade.
The duke was pictured listening intently to Mr Duque Marquez as they sat on sofas at William’s Kensington Palace home on Thursday.
We are excited to announce that Colombia is the first country in the world to sign up to United for Wildlife’s Buckingham Palace Declaration!
Signed on #EarthDay, this represents a commitment from the country to take affirmative steps to tackle the Illegal Wildlife Trade 🦏 pic.twitter.com/wFJaviu9s6
— United for Wildlife (@united4wildlife) April 23, 2022
Colombia signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration on Earth Day last month.
It was drawn up by United for Wildlife, which was founded by William and the Royal Foundation, with the aim to make it impossible for traffickers to transport, finance or profit from illegal wildlife products.
Featuring 11 commitments, it aims to help the transport industry deal with the problem through a combination of policy and wider co-operation nationally, regionally and internationally.
William has long campaigned against illegal wildlife trade, previously calling organisations to play their part in helping to end the “abhorrent crime” which includes the poaching of elephants for ivory and tigers for their skins.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here