Learn & Discuss vol. 5 - Illegal animal trade

Discover with us the alarming reality of turtle egg poaching and the trade with turtle shell products. Learn how social media monitoring can be a powerful tool in catching poachers, and uncover several case studies dealing with the protection of animals.

Featuring insightful talks by:

• Mgr. Hana Svobodová (Chráníme mořské želvy a.s.)
• Ing. Tereza Švejcarová (fžp)
• Mgr. Ing. Jan Chmelař (čižip)

Hana Svobodová will introduce the project - Protecting sea turtles (Chráníme mořské želvy a.s). All sea turtle species are threatened with extinction. The situation is worst in the Indian Ocean, where sea turtles have already disappeared in many places. This project works with local organisations to protect beaches from poachers in two areas in Indonesia (Lembata Island in the SE of the country and Denawan Island in the south of Borneo) and one area in the south of Sri Lanka (beaches near Dikwella).

In addition to direct protection of the hatchery beaches, the project also focuses on education and development of the local people and works with government organizations and other conservation organizations, preparing educational materials for children that are used in many countries around the world, including the Czech Republic. Since 2014, more than 4,000,000 turtle eggs have been saved through these activities, and this number is increasing every day.

Ing. Tereza Švejcarová (Faculty of Environmental Sciences) will focus on birds in South East Asia and illegal trade of them through social networks

Mgr. Ing. Jan Chmelař (eská Inspekce Životního prostředí) will present the Department of International Biodiversity Protection and CITES at the Czech Environmental Inspectorate (ČIŽP), along with few examples from several case studies.

You will learn more during our meeting and after the lecture you can enjoy a chance to discuss, network, and share ideas with us.