Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. Bird plays an important role in maintaining a healthy eco-system. However, the illegal behavior of catching a bird has been not rare to see. Some people catch birds to meet the consumption demand of eating rare or endangered wild birds, unreasonable life release and bird-watching activities.

During the national holiday of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) received consultation from a working staff of a procuratorate who inquired case study sharing on anti-poaching and sought suggestions. The staff mentioned that one defendant poached hundreds of birds. After being arrested by the police, he was accused by the procuratorate.

Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, Secretary-General of CBCGDF, instantly made a reply and offered the following five pieces of advice.

1. To combat illegal bird poaching is of great significance;

2. Bird poaching is a popular issue which goes against the philosophy of ecological civilization, which should be attached to considerable importance;

3. According to the condition, the most strict and applicable punishing measure should be imposed on the defendant;

4. To encourage public participation in curbing bird poaching, and make full use of the public strength to maximize the educational effect;

5. To encourage meaningful attempts in environmental public interest litigation. Various punishing and warning measures could be taken into consideration, like apology, recovery, and compensation.

Dr. Zhou advised getting defendants involved in bird conservation compulsory activities like dismantling clap nets and patrolling in the Community Conservation Area (CCAfa). He also suggests that enterprises and online platforms take social responsibilities to forbid selling bird catches or nets.

Original Chinese article:

http://www.cbcgdf.org/NewsShow/4854/10098.html

By / Wang Yanqing