The illegal trade in wildlife by highly organized criminal gangs, forms one of the largest black markets in the world threatening biodiversity, human health and safety, and global security. These gangs use logistics- and transport-intensive activities, co-opting the legal air-, land-, and seaports, and others as unwitting accomplices in their nefarious activities.
ROUTES is an innovative and transformational partnership bringing together international conservation organizations, donors and governments, and the transportation and logistics industry for a multi-year collaborative program to disrupt wildlife trafficking by reducing the use of legal transportation supply chains. To achieve this goal, we rapidly convened the core stakeholders, co-created a dynamic network of collaborators, developed an overarching vision and plan, identified a series of high priority activities, and are in the process of deploying a strategic communications plan and set of pilot programs.