Since 2010-2011 External Affairs Unit have been battling online traders peddling anything from illegal ivory and tropical pets that are listed as endangered. In the past four years Africa has lost a staggering 400,000 Elephants. While much ivory is traded online, many traders are opting to use the Facebook platform that holds some of 1.32 billion users as a hotbed for illegal trade. We need to disrupt the trade to slow down demand and purchase. Facebook has no real terms or rules in place to stop such traders. Furthermore the platform can be used to conceal trading groups from public to private. To date there are over 9,000+ traders using Facebook profiles, groups and pages to trade illegally ivory and, threatened tropical pets. Environmental News and Media and (IARFA) are petitioning CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Chief Operations Officer Mrs Sandberg and new tough head of Security Mr Stamos to get tough on trade, demand and cleanse its server immediately of illegal traders.
Dear Mr. Zuckerberg (CEO), Mrs. Sandberg (COO), Mr. Stamos (HOS).
Re: Illegal Ivory Trade / Illegal Pet Trade on Facebook.
We the undersigned call on you to remove illegal ivory trading profiles from Facebook.
Furthermore we call on you to remove tropical pet traders that are peddling in pets listed as 'threatened'. We ask that you install illegal wildlife trade report buttons and, implement a reporting contact address direct to the head of security.
These polices are required to slow demand, disrupt trade and slow poaching that is increasing extinction of African, Asian and international threatened wildlife.
Your support on this very sensitive issue would be met with much thanks and appreciation. Not only will Facebook be seen as a secure family friendly community, but a social media platform that supports Africa, Asian and international wildlife.
Sincerely.
External Affairs Unit.
International Animal Rescue Foundation Africa.
SAYNOTODOGMEAT.NET
Board of Directors.
