On 12 April, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) had a conference call with an expert lawyer on joint addressing issues related to pangolin illegal trade in the world. In the meeting, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, the Secretary-General of CBCGDF gave a detailed introduction around CBCGDF's related work conducted these days in Nigeria.

On March, several seized smuggling pangolins’ scales happened in China’s places including Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangdong Province, involving more than 100 living pangolins. CBCGDF took into action right after learned the news. From 2017 to 2019, after we continuously work, the public has learned more and more the importance of protecting endangered species and expressed their eagerness to take the role as a protector.

Dr. Zhou mentioned that he had noticed that 14,833 tonnes of pangolin scales have been seized in Vietnam, Japan, Hongkong, and mainland China. And according to the media, these scales are claimed to be from Nigeria. The situation in which pangolins get harm is very urgent. Therefore, a volunteer who is called “African Warrior” went to Nigeria to try to discover some of the truth on the trafficking matter on behalf of CBCGDF.

According to our brave African Warrior’s discovery, in Nigeria, pangolins could be easily found and seems the trade deals with pangolins is a pretty common thing there. Another thing is the Chinese locate in Nigeria is the most likely to consume pangolins. In the markets of Nigeria, one pangolin, among other wild meat, is sold at a price of 15,000 nairas (around 300 RMB), and a kilo of pangolin scales is at a price of 10000 nairas (190RMB or so).

"There are no materials used to promote education along the way from China to Nigeria.” Africa Warrior pointed out. While investigating on the markets, the volunteer was shown with different species of wild meat including crocodiles, sea turtles, and pangolins. The volunteer was offered by some Chinese live there for a treat of pangolin meat.

To tackle the pangolins illegal trade at source, CBCGDF has sent letters to the President of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Environment of Nigeria, CBD National Focal Point of Nigeria(thanks to the help of Global Youth Biodiversity Network- GYBN), Chinese Embassy in Nigeria as well as international NGOs, to invite them to join the work together by showing CBCGDF’s determination on fighting the pangolins illegal trade.

CBCGDF has received supportive feedback from the Ministry, CBD Focal Point, the embassy and CBCGDF’s NGO colleagues in Nigeria. In the meantime, the CBD Focal Point has invited CBCGDF to attend a Biodiversity Summit and spread our message. The Summit is tentatively held on 20 to 22 May in Nigeria; it is hosted by the Federal Ministry of Environment Nigeria and sponsored by the WWF and CNF.

Has learned the information, the lawyer expressed his deep appreciation to CBCGDF’s work. He also expressed his willingness to offer his help within his capacity, especially on the area of capacity building, to support the future important events and related recommendations involved with CBCGDF.

(Photo credit: CBCGDF volunteer)

By / Cathelina Modified / Niu Jingmei