The illegal wildlife trade is valued at US$23 billion a year, the third largest criminal trade after illegal drugs and illegal weapons. Weak law enforcement, lenient laws and poor international cooperation have enabled the illegal wildlife trade to flourish - even more so with the pressure of the Covid-19 pandemic. With the eyes of the world focused elsewhere, those who prey on endangered wildlife for profit have exploited the disruption caused by the virus.

Space for Giants invests in the people working across the entire wildlife crime pathway - from rangers on the front line, to environmental police, to public prosecutors and magistrates. The integrity and courage of these individual people collectively contributes to not only more effective wildlife protection, but also strengthens the entire judicial system. We also create a network of Journalism Fellows who create content about wildlife and climate issues who can build environmental literacy.