Our Wild World

The illegal trafficking and exploitation of wildlife is now one of the world’s largest criminal industries, with repeated links to terrorism networks. The animals most difficult to protect are also high target species: elephant and rhino, which are being hunted to extinction by poachers who go to extreme lengths to kill them. Inspiring urgent political action toward safekeeping of the planet cannot be overstated, and this responsibility must transcend all levels of industry, business and society. But the reality of winning the hearts and minds of the people living directly on the frontlines of this war is critical, where both rangers and villagers daily risk their lives, direct action is a vital for successful conservation. Results there will only be accomplished by providing viable in situ alternatives to address poverty and daily realities found in the crosshairs on the thin green line where people and wildlife and money meet.