Prince William has attended a major London forum today where some of the world's biggest technology firms will make public pledges to tackle wildlife trafficking across their platforms.
The Prince of Wales convened the gathering through the Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife initiative, which works to stamp out the illegal trade in wildlife.
Tech giants Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok, Pinterest, eBay and Etsy were among the companies participating in the event.
These businesses will collaborate with United for Wildlife to develop methods for eliminating illegal wildlife listings online, with artificial intelligence playing a central role in these efforts.
Telecommunications providers are also stepping up their commitment at the forum. Vodafone, together with Vodacom and Safaricom, will announce plans to deploy AI technology to combat money laundering and scrutinise financial transactions linked to wildlife crime.
The cryptocurrency sector is likewise joining the fight, with major firms pledging to disrupt and trace the money flows that fund illegal wildlife trafficking.
This coordinated approach reflects growing recognition that criminal organisations are taking advantage of interconnected digital marketplaces and financial systems with increasing sophistication.
The private sector's involvement signals an understanding that wildlife crime represents both an environmental crisis and a commercial concern.
Lord William Hague, who serves as co-chair of United for Wildlife, addressed the gathering alongside former US vice president Al Gore.
Actors Emma Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch took to the stage for a discussion with Prince William.
David Fein, also co-chair of United for Wildlife, said: "Criminal networks are exploiting hyperconnected transport systems, digital marketplaces and financial flows at unprecedented scale and sophistication."
He added: "The past decade of innovation and action to combat it shows what's possible when businesses, governments and conservation organisations work together with urgency and purpose."
Tom Clements, executive director at the Royal Foundation, said: "As United for Wildlife enters its next decade, our focus is clear: to work with businesses and partners around the world to close the gaps criminals exploit, unlock new investment for nature, and support the people protecting wildlife every day."
The forum marks the launch of London Climate Action Week, during which Prince William will also attend the Earthshot Prize impact assembly.
The prince established the Earthshot Prize in 2020 as a global environmental competition recognising individuals and organisations developing solutions to restore the planet.
A fresh public awareness initiative will also be unveiled at the event. British Airways and Heathrow Airport are spearheading a campaign to alert travellers to wildlife trafficking at the airport.
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