WORCESTERSHIRE Euro-MP Liz Lynne is supporting a report being debated in the European Parliament calling for an EU strategy to combat the bushmeat trade.
This trade in meat from wild animals has been a growing problem in Africa, Asia and South America.
The WWF also warned the orang-utan is in danger of extinction within 20 years, partly due to this problem.
The trade is also connected with the spread of disease, and bushmeat is now sold in urban areas throughout the world.
"The trade is fuelled by poverty and a lack of economic development," said Ms Lynne.
"The European Union therefore has a significant role to play in combating it via its overseas development programmes."
Biodiversity and conservation projects, along with promoting eco-tourism, are being debated this week.
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