Airports in Amazonas Participate in Campaign Against Wildlife Trafficking

• The campaign "There Are Journeys That Mark Lives" is the result of a partnership between WCS and VINCI Airports.
• Measures will be implemented to improve the detection and prevention of wildlife trafficking, in addition to raising passenger awareness about the issue.
• VINCI Airports has adhered to global environmental protection commitments.

This Wednesday (8), at 2 PM, Manaus Airport will host the launch of the campaign "There Are Journeys That Mark Lives," aimed at combating wildlife trafficking. The event marks the beginning of a series of actions to tackle one of today's greatest environmental challenges. The campaign is a collaboration between the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), an international non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife preservation, and VINCI Airports.

During the campaign launch, a Cooperation Agreement will be formalized to increase airports' capacity to detect and prevent cases of wildlife trafficking. The strategies involve the airports of Manaus (AM), Tabatinga (AM), Tefé (AM), Rio Branco (AC), Cruzeiro do Sul (AC), Porto Velho (RO), Boa Vista (RR), and Salvador (BA), all managed by VINCI Airports. 

Among the main strategies of the cooperation agreement are the assessment of the current capacity of airports to combat wildlife trafficking, the collection of images from baggage scanners, the reinforcement of inspections at boarding terminals, and staff training. Additionally, the campaign will focus on raising passenger awareness about the dangers and harm of wildlife trafficking, which are often transported by air. The impact of this crime includes mistreatment and, often, the death of animals.

VINCI Airports is globally committed to the fight against animal trafficking. In 2023, the company ratified the Buckingham Declaration and joined the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, making a historic commitment to end illegal wildlife trade routes. The network maintains environmental commitments that include the protection of biological diversity.

The director of WCS Brazil, Marcos Amend, explained that the organization will provide technical expertise and conduct training for the teams. "Given VINCI's presence in the main airports of the Amazon, we understand that this partnership is a fundamental advancement in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting the region's fauna," he pointed out. 

The CEO of the Amazon Airports Concessionaire, Karen Strougo, emphasized: “We know the important role airports play in combating wildlife trafficking, to reduce the devastating impacts of this practice. With this alliance with WCS, we will undoubtedly be even more prepared to contribute to this process. We will also contribute to disseminating this information, engaging the population to help preserve our biodiversity, which is so rich and unique."