UN General Assembly - Debate on Trafficking in wildlife and crimes affecting the environment
Statement by Mr. Greg Reynolds, Second Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations
8 June 2026
President,
Australia welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this important debate on preventing and combating illicit trafficking in wildlife and other crimes that affect the environment.
Illicit wildlife trafficking is a significant driver of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Australia is home to high levels of endemic flora and fauna - making native species, highly prized on the global black market.
Illicit wildlife trafficking is increasingly sophisticated and interconnected, often linked to organised criminal networks engaged in illicit financial flows and money laundering.
Addressing these challenges requires strengthened international cooperation, complemented by robust domestic frameworks.
Australia recognises the important role of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship in conserving biodiversity and supporting effective environmental protection outcomes.
Domestically, Australia’s response is underpinned by a comprehensive legislative and institutional framework. Australia continues to enhance its approach through targeted reforms, including strengthened measures to address illicit financial flows linked to environmental crime, and collaborative inter-agency work to disrupt wildlife trafficking.
In November 2025, the Australian Government passed legislation to strengthen and streamline our national environmental laws, ensuring stronger environmental protection and restoration outcomes, higher penalties for serious offences, and expanded audit powers to improve monitoring and compliance. The reforms also established a National Environment Protection Agency, which will commence operations on 1 July 2026.
As a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Australia works closely with international partners to ensure that trade does not threaten the survival of species. Smuggling animals is not only illegal, it is cruel. The animals suffer severe stress, dehydration and starvation and many die along the way. Exotic animals also pose a biosecurity risk as they may carry diseases that threaten native and agricultural animals and even human health.
The Australian Government’s message is clear – those engaged in this cruel and illegal industry will be actively pursued and prosecuted.
President, Australia is committed to global efforts to prevent and combat wildlife trafficking and environmental crime, including through support for UNTOC and the open‑ended intergovernmental expert group. Australia is also working with partners in the Indo-Pacific to strengthen capacity and cooperation in response to this threat. Addressing wildlife trafficking and environmental crime requires sustained, collective action.
Australia stands ready to continue working with partners to strengthen international cooperation and protect our shared environment.
Thank you.