TRAFFIC is a joint conservation programme of WWF,
the global conservation organization and IUCN, the International Union for
Conservation of Nature. It was established in 1976 by the Species Survival
Commission of IUCN, principally as a response to the entry into force during the
previous year of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
TRAFFIC is an international network, consisting of
TRAFFIC International, based in Cambridge, UK with offices on five continents,
seven regional programmes in 25 countries and territories, with ongoing research
and activities in several others.
Since its founding, TRAFFIC has grown to become
the world's largest wildlife trade monitoring programme, and a global expert on
wildlife trade issues. TRAFFIC actively monitors and investigates wildlife trade
and provides its information to a diverse audience world-wide, as a basis for
effective conservation policies and programmes. It has a considerable
international reputation for helping to identify and address conservation
challenges linked to wildlife trade.
This non-governmental organization undertakes its
activities in close collaboration with governments and the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Secretariat.
TRAFFIC’s goal is to ensure that trade in
wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.
TRAFFIC's vision is of a world in which
trade in wild animals and plants will be managed at sustainable levels without
damaging the integrity of ecological systems and in such a manner that it makes
a significant contribution to human needs, supports local and national economies
and helps to motivate commitments to the conservation of wild species and their
habitats.
TRAFFIC came to India in 1991, operating as a
division of WWF-India. It has since worked closely with the National and the
State Governments and various agencies to help study monitor and influence
action to curb illegal wildlife trade. After a brief hiatus since 2002, it has
resumed work once again in December 2006.
TRAFFIC India carries out research and provides
analysis, support and encouragement to efforts aimed to ensure that wildlife
trade is not a threat to the conservation of nature in India. It is committed to
work together with government agencies, NGOs, and all like-minded individuals
and organisations to curb illegal wildlife trade that has become a growing
threat to our natural treasures.