APA: On the wild side
Animal Welfare Species Survival Environmental Impact Commercial Activity Health Threats Controls and Chaos

Our Partner in Brazil

APA is the official UK representative of RENCTAS, a Portuguese acronym for 'Brazilian Network to Fight the Trafficking of Wild Animals', established in 1999. APA helps to fund the valuable work of RENCTAS and endeavours to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by 'source countries', that sometimes lead impoverished people to devastate their own natural environment by catching animals for wildlife traffickers.

The innovative approach by RENCTAS to curbing illegal wildlife trafficking in Brazil has not only become a model for Latin America but also for the whole of the developing world. In November 2003, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, presented the founder of RENCTAS, Dener Giovanini, with one of the most prestigious environmental awards in the world, the Sasakawa Environment Prize.

Through their systemised data gathering, RENCTAS is building a bigger and more detailed picture of the trade in wild animals from Brazil and elsewhere in South America. A website which allows informants to leave tip offs of trade related activities has proved invaluable. This information has assisted the authorities, enabling them to focus their resources where needed and plan more effective strategies.

See more information on RENCTAS