Vice President in Charge of Programs, Barbara Lipskis introduced Rotarian of the Day Rachel Bellis. Rachel is the Assistant Director of Local Affairs for PETA. Rachel has much international experience in Italy, Spain, and Mexico. We recognize her work educating the public and dealing with abusive situations.
Rachel introduced Tricia Raxter, Senior Analyst – Illegal Wildlife Trade at Focused Conservation and United for Wildlife. Tricia has a MA and Ph.D. She loves nature and wildlife and works as an intelligence Analyst. She spoke about the scope, scale, and assumptions of Wildlife Crime.
Tricia spoke about the how illegal wildlife trade has escalated into a multi-billion-dollar industry in just the last decade. Now a global crisis, the trafficking of ivory, rhino horn, and other wildlife commodities threatens the survival of some of our planet’s most iconic species. It is estimated that the illegal wildlife trade generates up to $23 billion a year, making it the fourth largest criminal industry in the world after drugs, arms, and human trafficking. Whole species are being hunted to extinction, as part of an illegal trade that benefits organized criminal gangs. The illegal wildlife trade is one of the five most lucrative global crimes. Illegal killing and trading of wild animals is a global crisis, with species being hunted to extinction for their horns, skins, and teeth.
Tricia spoke about how wildlife and environmental crime is logistically sophisticated and part of a syndicate of players and organizations. Locating targeted species, and arranging the quick extraction and transportation to ready buyers around the globe demands talented players. She spoke about how this is more than a conservation issue. Poachers are often experts. Along with the wildlife and plant trade comes arms trade, drug, and human traffickers, gangs, and human violations. Many high-profile people have been involved in this trade seeking the novel experience of owning a powerful cheetah, an exotic plant, or sought-after traditional medicinal remedies.
Tricia challenged our assumptions. The illegal trade is not just in Africa, not just ivory, or exotic birds. Africa continues to be the major source. Asia has the greatest demand followed by Hong Kong, Vietnam, Laos Myanmar, and Indonesia. Jaguars are a hot item. The Galapagos are being infiltrated with sophisticated extraction strategies.
There are Wildlife Protections and organizations such as United for Wildlife and Focused Conservation. United for Wildlife was founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2014. It aims to make it impossible for traffickers to transport, finance, or profit from illegal wildlife products. By working collaboratively with the transport and finance sectors, building key partnerships with law enforcement and NGOs, and sharing information and best practices across the sectors, and across borders, United for Wildlife is disrupting this criminal network globally.
Tricia is part of the investigative team supported by expert intelligence analysts who play a vital role in piecing together the complex web of criminal supply chains, and training specialists who work with government agencies to build capacity and long-term solutions to wildlife crime. Expert intelligence analysts play a vital role in piecing together the complex web of criminal supply chains, and training specialists who work with government agencies to build capacity and long-term solutions to wildlife crime.
Club Business
Our 2022-2023 President Laurie Harrison opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-way Test. Bob Heely led us in song and Marilyn Gowen provided a reflective invocation. For visitation, Chris Bugg mentioned that our Immediate Past President Michael Desplaines is back. Chris also mentioned that Rick Coradi would appreciate a call or hearing from members.
Rob Sult was recognized for completing all required steps and achieving his Blue Badge. Well done Rob.
Our Guest this week were:
Leslie Jackson - LauraBeth DeHority's niece
Karl Dornemann - guest of Patricia Raxter
Kalen Hammann - prospective Rotarian
Adam Donn - Susan Donn's son
Rebekah Klyukin - guest of Susan Donn
Jennifer Goff - Chris Bugg's guest
Birthdays and anniversaries were recognized in July.
Michael Desplaines July 08 Dalton Dunbar July 08 John Padgett July 08 Jeff Wells July14 Linwood Beckner July 15 Kay Stine July15 Ben Mason July16 Bill Jonak Jul25 Diane Wallach July 30 | July Anniversaries Pamela & Ace Tubbs, 44 years July 01, 1978 Laurie & Mark Harrison, 37 years, July 13, 1985 Bill & Mary Louis Lehew, 12 years, July 28, 2010 Julie & Bob Keesling, 42 years, July 31, 1980 | July Rotary Anniversaries 45 years, Bob Heely July 01, 1977 28 years, Jim O’Brien July 01, 1994 30 years, Carlisle Wroton July 01, 1992 2 years, Lauren Kiger July 07, 2020 12 years, Angela Kerns July 27, 2010 17 years, Lisa Chandler July 28, 2005 |
Immediate Past President Michael was unable to participate in the installation of the 2022-23 Officers and Board last week so took the time this week to reflect on his presidency. Michael regards his presidency as the “honor of his life.” His recognition of the value of Rotary began as a youth and continues today. Michael then thanked and recognized the contributions of each of his supportive officers and board members with a cap as a token of his appreciation.
Happy Bucks:
- Jeff Wells called out Marty Raiss for being in Inside Business.
- Chip Vogan acknowledged his son’s engagement and the happy addition of his daughter-in-law to the family.
- Alan Nelson made a great trip to the Adriatic Sea.
- Barb Lipskis has a son closing on a new home.
-Jeff Wells is back in possession of his vehicle keys.
