Empowering TM Consumers as Environmental Stewards
IFAW encourages users of traditional medicines (TM) and natural products to
become educated consumers.
Through education and public awareness campaigns in China, the United States and
globally, IFAW supports the use of non-endangered, farmed herbs and existing
synthetic alternatives to wildlife in order to preserve wildlife and the rich
diversity of life on earth.
Increasing Public Awareness in China
In China and Hong Kong China, IFAW has produced public education materials with the advice and support of TM practitioners and traders. These materials inform consumers of the conservation issues related to the use of TM.
In conjunction with this work, IFAW commissioned an opinion poll to better understand consumer views on the use of endangered species used in TM. A majority of the individuals polled stated that they would have requested alternatives if they had been aware that endangered species were contained in TM products.
In 1998, IFAW began working with Chinese CITES authorities on a public awareness campaign designed to educate international travelers about the links between TM products and the illegal trade in endangered species. Through the partnership, IFAW produced posters and brochures that were placed in international airport departure lounges throughout the country.
To further support the efforts of Chinese CITES authorities, IFAW funded a report on the bear bile market in China. This survey provided important insights into the market for bear bile and other endangered species used in traditional medicines.
In addition, IFAW educational exhibits on conserving endangered species were placed in 20 community centers, high schools and universities.
Educating Consumers in the United States of America
As part of a public education campaign in the United States, IFAW and the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USF&WS) produced an informational brochure entitled, "What’s Hiding Inside Your Traditional Medicine? This brochure will be distributed to consumers, primarily in California, through our TM industry partners once they have received training on endangered species issues and regulations.
IFAW and the USF&WS are working together with the TM community in the US to:
Support the health and well-being of all species used in TM;
Promote public awareness of the importance of biodiversity and endangered wildlife and plants;
Stem the illegal trade in products containing, or claiming to contain, derivatives of endangered species;
Help TM vendors and suppliers establish voluntary systems that will ensure high product quality and safety, preserve biodiversity, and protect wildlife.
Worldwide Efforts for Animals
WorlOn a global scale, IFAW is concerned about the present level of illegal trade in animal parts and derivatives used in TM. To counter this illegal trade, IFAW has provided support to a CITES identification program that will be used internationally.
IFAW has conducted trade surveys in the US and Canada on key endangered animals used in traditional medicines. IFAW intends these immediate efforts to provide a short-term response to a complex global problem.
To ensure the long-term survival of endangered and threatened species, IFAW also participates in the workings of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to win greater protections for animals utilized in traditional medicines.
Increasing Public Awareness in China
In China and Hong Kong China, IFAW has produced public education materials with the advice and support of TM practitioners and traders. These materials inform consumers of the conservation issues related to the use of TM.
In conjunction with this work, IFAW commissioned an opinion poll to better understand consumer views on the use of endangered species used in TM. A majority of the individuals polled stated that they would have requested alternatives if they had been aware that endangered species were contained in TM products.
In 1998, IFAW began working with Chinese CITES authorities on a public awareness campaign designed to educate international travelers about the links between TM products and the illegal trade in endangered species. Through the partnership, IFAW produced posters and brochures that were placed in international airport departure lounges throughout the country.
To further support the efforts of Chinese CITES authorities, IFAW funded a report on the bear bile market in China. This survey provided important insights into the market for bear bile and other endangered species used in traditional medicines.
In addition, IFAW educational exhibits on conserving endangered species were placed in 20 community centers, high schools and universities.
Educating Consumers in the United States of America
As part of a public education campaign in the United States, IFAW and the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USF&WS) produced an informational brochure entitled, "What’s Hiding Inside Your Traditional Medicine? This brochure will be distributed to consumers, primarily in California, through our TM industry partners once they have received training on endangered species issues and regulations.
IFAW and the USF&WS are working together with the TM community in the US to:
Support the health and well-being of all species used in TM;
Promote public awareness of the importance of biodiversity and endangered wildlife and plants;
Stem the illegal trade in products containing, or claiming to contain, derivatives of endangered species;
Help TM vendors and suppliers establish voluntary systems that will ensure high product quality and safety, preserve biodiversity, and protect wildlife.
Worldwide Efforts for Animals
WorlOn a global scale, IFAW is concerned about the present level of illegal trade in animal parts and derivatives used in TM. To counter this illegal trade, IFAW has provided support to a CITES identification program that will be used internationally.
IFAW has conducted trade surveys in the US and Canada on key endangered animals used in traditional medicines. IFAW intends these immediate efforts to provide a short-term response to a complex global problem.
To ensure the long-term survival of endangered and threatened species, IFAW also participates in the workings of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to win greater protections for animals utilized in traditional medicines.
