ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13648Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13648

Combating Wildlife Trafficking

This executive order establishes a Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking co-chaired by the State Department, Interior Department, and Attorney General to develop a national strategy against wildlife trafficking. It also creates an Advisory Council of non-governmental experts to advise the Task Force, with specific deadlines for initial meetings, strategy production, and council establishment.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 40621

Impact dates

  1. National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking due

  2. Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking must be established

  3. Review transnational organized crime strategy and recommend wildlife trafficking inclusion

  4. Task Force must hold first meeting

Key directives

  • Establish Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking co-chaired by Secretary of State, Secretary of Interior, and Attorney General
  • Task Force to meet within 60 days of July 1, 2013
  • Produce National Strategy within 180 days addressing anti-poaching, regional law enforcement coordination, legal enforcement mechanisms, and demand reduction
  • Review 2011 transnational organized crime strategy within 90 days and recommend wildlife trafficking inclusion
  • Establish 8-member Advisory Council within 180 days with non-federal experts from private sector, former officials, and NGOs
  • Department of Interior to provide funding and administrative support for Task Force and Advisory Council

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Task Force establishment with designated co-chairs

Near term (90d)

  • Task Force must meet by August 30, 2013
  • Task Force must review transnational organized crime strategy and recommend wildlife trafficking inclusion by September 29, 2013

Long term

  • National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking due by December 28, 2013
  • Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking to be established by December 28, 2013

Risks & tensions

  • Implementation subject to availability of appropriations (Sec. 6a, 6e) — funding constraints may limit effectiveness
  • Advisory Council composition and expertise level uncertain until members selected
  • Coordination across 15+ agencies with competing priorities may slow action
  • Demand reduction objectives (1d, 4a(iv)) are vague on enforcement mechanisms vs. voluntary measures
  • No specified consequences for foreign nations that decline U.S. assistance
Executive Order 13648: Combating Wildlife Trafficking · Executive Orders