Wildlife crimes threaten the security, economy and biodiversity of East Africa. Demand for elephant ivory, rhino horn, and pangolin meat and scales continues to rise as poaching methods become increasingly sophisticated. International networks that poach, move and sell illegal wildlife products target wildlife populations across borders, creating a complex problem that transcends national boundaries. East Africa has emerged as a global hub for illegal wildlife trafficking and environmental crime in a black market that generates up to $213 billion each year.

To address this complex problem, USAID established the first U.S. interagency agreement in the world to combat wildlife trafficking – the Partnership to End Wildlife Trafficking in East Africa. This agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is a comprehensive program to enhance wildlife management and protection in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.