Footballer Neymar Jr joined #WildforLife movement

Renowned football player Neymar Jr. has joined a movement of celebrities to campaign against deadly illegal trade in wildlife.

Other celebrities such as Gisele Bündchen, African footballer, or the movie star Li Bingbing are involved in the campaign, which is organised and led by the United Nations.

Neymar Jr. said: "When my friend Gisele told me about the Wild For Life campaign to protect so many endangered animals, I had to act... Football unites us all in a common goal. Winning as part of a team. We need to think of ourselves as global citizens, one great team that can win against the greed and ignorance that is allowing wildlife crime to flourish."

The #WildforLife campaign raises awareness on illegal trade in wildlife which threatens species such as elephants, rhinos, tigers and sea turtles.

As part of the campaign, an exhibition was opened at Beijing Capital International Airport – the second busiest airport globally – last Friday.

UN Environment Chief Erik Solheim said: "The illegal trade in wildlife is threatening precious species, robbing countries of their natural heritage and profiting criminals... You do not need to be a wildlife ranger or politician to do your part.

"Not buying illegal wildlife products, and taking part in the global movement that is Wild for Life, can also help ensure that the animals we love, and upon which communities depend, are here for centuries to come."

Illegal trade threatens biodiversity, people’s livelihood and disturbs peace, and stopping it is a key aim of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More about the campaign here