Finding ways to change the economic equation of the wildlife trade to make it a regulated sector that provides community income/livelihoods, advances conservation and protects endangered species is a vital objective. But the trade is multi-faceted and complex, requiring the dovetailing of tactical, local, national, international and strategic efforts to reduce demand, gain the active support of local communities and fight the criminal syndicates. This understanding of the nature of the trade and the urgent need to find ways of coordinating the fight against it are at the heart of Richard Milburn's detailed, evidence-based analysis. He identifies the problems and comes up with solutions, drawing on his first-hand field experience. A must-read for practical conservationists, wildlife NGOs, politicians making decisions about conservation, and conservation scientists. -- Keith Sommerville, author of Ivory: Power and Poaching in Africa Killing the Trade is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the illegal wildlife trade and how traditional conservation methods have not been up to the complex task of protecting both wildlife and wild spaces. Having worked closely with wildlife rangers, I appreciate the thought and depth that has gone into the discussion of the militarization of rangers, which balances the need for accountability with the often overlooked rangers right to life and self-protection. Killing The Trade brings the issues to life in a way that cuts through the noise of traditional conservation platitudes whilst offering workable, tried and tested solutions. -- Jon Churcher, Resolve Wildlife At last, a fresh way to understand the urgency and opportunity of ecological sustainability. Just as biodiversity is an intricate system of interrelationships between species, social contexts, politics and climate, conservation itself requires wholly systemic solutions. Richard Milburns call to action presents a viable and economically sound case for addressing every aspect of vulnerable and illegally exploited ecosystems. He elucidates how biodiversity conservation can improve societal as well as environmental security by driving sustainable income for at-risk populations while creating long-lasting incentives for the preservation of complex natural ecosystems. -- Steven Overman, author of The Conscience Economy: How a Mass Movement for Good Is Great for Business As a fascinating and clearly written dissection of the illegal wildlife trade, Richard Milburns book does something unique. Rather than endlessly recite the problems that undoubtedly afflict the brave efforts to conserve endangered species, this book proposes a comprehensive strategy to curtail the illegal wildlife trade. Moreover, the strategic handrails that Milburn suggests are not a wish list of idealistic aspirations, but a set of firm propositions based upon both a rigorous understanding of existing policies and academic literature but most importantly upon hard practical experience in the field. Milburn has seen for himself what works and what doesnt. Blending his academic knowledge and practitioner experience he identifies a wholly different paradigm for breaking this vile trade. -- M. L. R. Smith, Australian War College, Canberra, and co-editor of Poaching, Wildlife Trafficking and Security in Africa Richard Milburns book is an excellent and timely contribution to the literature on the management of wildlife protected areas and the illegal wildlife trade. He combines his significant academic research with his experience as a practitioner in a range of wildlife contexts. His application of strategy is most useful, leading to the books major contribution towards the achievement of sustainable, long-term conservation impact on the ground. Quite simply, he tackles the contentious issue of what the right approach should look like. Accessible, highly readable and practical, the book will be an important guide for students, researchers and practitioners; and for those wanting to fund and support wildlife conservation. -- Adrian Garside, Lecturer in Conflict and Conservation, Gorongosa Masters Program Killing the trade is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how the multi-billion-dollar illegal wildlife trade can be brought to an end. Based on academic research and practical experience, but written in a very accessible style, the book concisely summarises the drivers behind the trade into useful frameworks and then sets out a workable strategy to help bring an end to the trade, providing a hopeful message against the often-gloomy reporting about wildlife conservation. The final chapter setting out an imagined near-term future where the strategy has been implemented shows that the ideas set out are eminently achievable, and brings to life the ideas set out in the book. -- Jasper Humphreys, Director of Programmes, Marjan Study Group, Kings College London Richard Milburn is the leading voice advocating for business solutions for wildlife conservation, working alongside companies and entrepreneurs to provide solutions to the illegal wildlife trade. By focusing on how to engage local communities and global consumers in conservation efforts, this book provides a blueprint for innovative and workable solutions. Killing the Trade is a must-read for policymakers, business leaders and consumers interested in making conservation pay. -- Giana M. Eckhardt, Professor of Marketing, King's College London
