10 Important Tips for Buying Environmentally Safe Souvenirs on Your Travels

By Doreen Robinson (Morocco, 92-94)

As the summer months approach and you make your travel plans, here are ten things to keep in mind when you think about purchasing souvenirs:
 
1.  If you are likely to consider purchasing a live animal or plant or a souvenir made from one during your travels, get some basic information on relevant laws including the Endangered Species Act, the Lacy Act, CITES, Marine Mammal Protection Act and Wild Bird Conservation Act.

2.  Before going abroad check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (www.fws.gov) or TRAFFIC USA (www.traffic.org) to be sure of regulations pertaining to the US and the countries you will be visiting.

3.  Also check out the TRAFFIC website for a list of things to look for in 20 of the most popular tourist destinations  (ww.traffic.org/help/tourist_guide.html)

4.  Ask questions about the product's origin and the species' status of the vendor.  If the vendor seems poorly informed or you have doubts about the responses, don't buy!

5.  Remember the following products are prohibited imports into the US*:

    All sea turtle products.
    Products from black caiman, American crocodile, Orinoco crocodile, and Philippine crocodile.
    Most lizard-skin products from Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, India and Nepal.
    Many snakeskin products from Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico,                     Venezuela and India.
    Most ivory products.
    Furs from larger spotted cats, such as jaguar, snow leopard and tiger.
    Furs from marine mammals, such as seals and polar bears.
    Many orchids, cacti and cycads.

6.  All imported plants must undergo inspection by the Department of Agriculture and be accompanied by documents certifying that they are free of disease and pests.

7.  If you try to bring in an animal, plant or product that has been acquired illegally you WILL be subject to sizeable fines, in addition to undermining conservation efforts.

8.  Buying an animal in order to set it free continues to encourage trade in the species. 

9.  If you learn of illegal wildlife or plant trade, notify TRAFFIC so they can investigate or alert proper authorities, if appropriate.

10. When you are eating out on your trip, be aware of exactly what you are ordering to be sure that you are not consuming any meat or products from endangered plants and animals.

*Useful contacts and information can be obtained from:
TRAFFIC North America -- Regional Office
1250 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Tel: (1) 202 293 4800   Fax: (1) 202 775 8287  E-mail: tna@wwfus.org