No Market No Trade -13th April 2019
Every year, hundreds of cities across the world march to create global awareness about the crisis facing elephants, rhinos and all endangered wildlife and lobby states to take actions to remedy the crisis facing the endangered species.
The Global March for Elephants and Rhinos (GMFER) is a worldwide call to action to condemn the poaching of elephants, rhinos and the trafficking of wildlife trophies. This global movement calls upon governments, the civil society, grass root communities and all stakeholders to be proactive and collaborative in order to ensure the survival of elephants and rhinos. Over time the march has also shed light on other endangered species including lions and now pangolins as well as other species being proposed for listings in CITES Appendices I & II. The future of these keystone species is at stake due to burgeoning human population growth and clearance of natural habitats for the establishment of settlements, both in rural and urban areas; and construction of infrastructure and industrial installations. The demand for ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales and other wildlife products in the Asian market continues to be a growing concern and threatens the existence of these endangered species.
This year, marches will be held in over 100 cities with the Nairobi march historically drawing some of the largest numbers of participants. WildlifeDirect will be partnering again with World Leaders of Today (formerly SUSO) and the Kenya Wildlife Service to encourage citizens to take a loud and vocal stand for animals.
Last year, people from all walks of life, including children and youth from across the country showed up and walked, despite the scorching heat, for 15 kilometres to Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters.
START POINT:
National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi
END POINT:
Kenya Wildlife Service HQ