Idle Fish, a subsidiary of Alibaba, is a popular online marketplace in China where people can buy and sell various items. However, recent reports have shown that the platform has repeatedly refused to address the issue of illegal wildlife trade.

In April 27, 2023, the Clean Internet for Conophytum has received reports from volunteers that illegal sellers of Conophytum were using the Idle Fish platform to promote the purchase of Conophytum bilobum, a rare and endangered species. Despite multiple reports made by volunteers, the platform deemed them invalid and just dismissed the whistleblowing messages.

The purchase of wild Conophytum is not only illegal, but it also violates the rules set forth by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international treaty that regulates the trade of endangered species. Moreover, the illegal trade in wild Conophytum has caused significant environmental damage and has been detrimental to the survival of several Conophytum species’ populations.

This is not the first time Idle Fish has ignored reports of illegal wildlife trade on its platform. The China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) Legal Work Committee previously sent a letter to the company asking it to remove listings of wild Conophytum and reduce the risk of illegal harvesting from their natural habitats in South Africa and Namibia. However, Idle Fish has not responded.

As a major player in the e-commerce industry, Idle Fish has a responsibility to protect biodiversity and ensure that its platform is not being used to facilitate illegal activities. The company must take steps to actively monitor and prevent the sale of endangered species and other illegal wildlife products. It is crucial that Idle Fish acts responsibly and demonstrates its commitment to environmental protection and social responsibility.

Reporter: Wendy

Editor: Victoria

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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