Polar Bears International’s stance on trade

Along with colleagues in all polar bear countries, we’re carefully monitoring the effects of trade and hunting on polar bear populations. We recommend the following actions:

• Governments must ensure effective monitoring and strong enforcement against illegal trade and unsustainable hunting practices. This includes following best practices across the trade chain for traceability and authenticity.

• Governments, including wildlife management agencies, must prioritize the protection of polar bear mothers and cubs through science-based quotas and stronger safeguards for females and their denning areas.

• All groups with an interest in protecting a future for polar bears — including governments, nonprofits and Indigenous communities — must collaborate on long-term coexistence solutions. We know from experience that collaborative partnerships produce the best conservation results.