/EINPresswire.com/ -- WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - March 24, 2016) -  Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) joined United for Wildlife, led by the Duke of Cambridge and other global transport leaders in signing a historic declaration committing to the elimination of the routes exploited by illegal wildlife traffickers.

CLIA's Andy Harmer, Vice President of Operations for CLIA Europe, joined the Duke of Cambridge and 39 other transportation organizations at Buckingham Palace as founding signatories of the Declaration of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce. 

The Buckingham Palace Declaration is a landmark agreement outlining 11 commitments, developed for the tangible, significant reduction of the routes exploited by traffickers of the illegal wildlife trade as they move products from the hunting ground to the marketplace. Leading names in global transport, including CLIA, have come together with prominent conservation organizations to reach this agreement following 12 months of work, negotiations and meetings in London, Geneva and Dubai.

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, commended the signatories, "By implementing these commitments the signatories can secure a game changer in the race against extinction. I thank them for their commitment and I invite any other company in the industry to sign up to the Buckingham Palace declaration and play their part in the fight against the poaching crisis."

"This is a significant achievement for United for Wildlife and the leaders in the transport industry," said CLIA's Andy Harmer. "CLIA is proud to commit to the Buckingham Palace Declaration and do our part to break the chain between suppliers and consumers, particularly by increasing awareness among our passengers and crew about the nature, scale and consequences of the illegal wildlife trade."

In September of 2015, CLIA joined United for Wildlife's International Taskforce on Transportation and the Illegal Wildlife Trade, a prominent group of transportation and conservation organizations developing recommendations for how the transport industry can help shut down illegal wildlife trafficking trade routes. CLIA is especially honored to share the cruise industry's perspective on reaching and educating the public and looks forward to working with its esteemed colleagues on the reduction of the illegal wildlife trade.

About United for Wildlife and the Transport Taskforce

United for Wildlife (UfW) is an unprecedented alliance between seven of the world's most influential conservation organisations and the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. With the support of The Royal Foundation, UfW hopes to bring attention to acute conservation problems, the most pressing of which was agreed amongst the collaboration to be the rapid escalation of the illegal wildlife trade. This is having a devastating effect on wild populations of some of the largest and most iconic species: elephants, rhinos and tigers as well as lesser known animals such as the pangolin. Launched by The Duke of Cambridge at his speech to The World Bank in December 2014, The United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce is a key part of the collaboration commitment to work with the Private Sector to reduce illegal wildlife trafficking. Chaired by The Rt. Hon. The Lord Hague of Richmond, the aim of the Taskforce is to identify actions to combat the illegal trafficking of wildlife products.

About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. The association has 15 offices globally with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually and is dedicated to promote the cruise travel experience. Members are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organization's mission is to be the unified global organization that helps its members succeed by advocating, educating and promoting for the common interests of the cruise community. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages. 

CONTACT:
Elinore Boeke
202-759-6773
eboeke@cruising.org