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Zagreb - Lawmakers in the Sabor on Thursday supported the draft amendments to the Law on Transboundary Movement and Trade in Wild Species, warning that the annual value of international wildlife trafficking is estimated at billions of euros.
State-Secretary at the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development Mile Horvat said that the annual value of the international wildlife trade is estimated at billions of euros and largely relates to the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, fashion, and pet trade.
Unfortunately, he warned, the wildlife trade is so lucrative that, in addition to legal trade, trafficking puts even more pressure on endangered species.
Horvat also said that it is estimated that the wild species smuggling is at the very top, along with trafficking in drugs, weapons, and people.
He stressed that the amendments to the law are being made in order to adapt it to EU legislation. The amendments are related to provisions related to violations and prescribe the conditions for the commercial use of highly protected species in Croatia that are not covered by EU regulations.
Ljubomir Kolarek (HDZ) said that Croatia is no exception regarding the growing illegal trade of wild species because collectors are targeting endemic species for their collections or reselling them.
Chanterelle mushrooms, pond turtles, goldfinches, periwinkles, and fingerlings targets for smugglers
In addition to endemic species, strictly protected native species are also smuggled from Croatia, primarily chanterelle mushrooms, pond turtles, various bird species, songbirds (most often goldfinches), and shellfish such as periwinkles and fingerlings. In addition, hunting trophies and wolf, lynx, and bear pelts, as well as birds of prey are smuggled, he added.
Mirela Ahmetović (SDP) also warned that uncontrolled overfishing is still present in Croatia so that animal and plant specimens can be used in international trade. She welcomed the improvement to the law but stressed that its implementation should first and foremost be ensured.