Why Wildlife Protection Matters

In 1992, the same year CIWY was founded, Bolivia passed Environmental Law 1333, making wildlife trafficking illegal. It states that capturing, transporting, or commercializing wildlife without authorization is a criminal offense, punishable by fines, confiscation of the animals, and imprisonment of up to two years.

However, the law is not fully integrated into Bolivia’s criminal code, and violations are rarely sanctioned. As a result, wildlife trafficking continues with limited consequences, and authorities often lack the resources and prioritization needed to address the issue effectively.

Poaching, illegal trade and habitat loss persist, including for species at risk of extinction, while no sufficient government infrastructure exists to care for confiscated and rescued animals. CIWY helps fill this critical gap by rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting wildlife and their habitats in line with government regulations. Our work also includes developing and implementing protocols for the ethical rehabilitation and release of wildlife, helping ensure that rescued animals can return to the wild without compromising existing wild populations or ecosystems. In parallel, we work to restore ecosystems damaged by wildfires and other threats, while promoting environmental education and awareness to strengthen understanding of Bolivia’s wildlife and empower future generations to protect its ecosystems.