Prince William will be undertaking trips to Namibia, Tanzania and Kenya to highlight the global threat to wildlife and people from the illegal wildlife trade.

While in Africa, he will be visiting a range of projects and meeting with conservationists, communities and law enforcement representatives working to halt poaching and illegal wildlife trading.

He departed from Heathrow yesterday evening onboard a BA A380 aircraft displaying the message #EndWildlifeCrime.

BA is a longstanding supporter of wildlife conservation charity, Tusk, and a member of the Duke’s United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce.

Illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be the fourth most lucrative international crime after drugs, arms and human trafficking - worth as much as £17 billion per year.

Products from elephant, rhino, pangolin and tiger are amongst the most highly valued products traded and are often trafficked via established international transport networks.

Criminals also use networks of corrupt officials and agencies to undermine sustainable development and law enforcement agencies.

Speaking recently at an event at the Royal African Society, Prince William said the ongoing illegal wildlife trade was having “a devastating human impact” as well as its effect on animals.

“Too many brave rangers are tragically killed each year by poachers. Communities see their tourist livelihoods threatened and the proceeds of the illegal wildlife trade fund broader criminal networks and threaten security,” he described.

“This is why I am committed to doing what I can to help end this terrible, global crime.
This will be a particular focus of my upcoming visit to Africa, and of course the conference on the illegal wildlife trade taking place here in London in October.”

The UK government will host an international conference on the illegal wildlife trade in October, bringing together global leaders to help eradicate illegal wildlife trade and better protect the world’s most iconic species from the threat of extinction.

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ chairman and chief executive, said: “We are proud to stand together with His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, Tusk Trust and United for Wildlife in supporting this important mission to help send a very clear message on the need to fight wildlife crime.

"Airlines have an important part to play in preventing illegal wildlife trafficking and we will continue to help lead the campaign within the travel industry.”

The UK government will host an international conference on the illegal wildlife trade in October, bringing together global leaders to help eradicate illegal wildlife trade and better protect the world’s most iconic species from the threat of extinction.