NGO WildAid and digital TV operator StarTimes formally established partnership with signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Beijing.

The illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar global industry largely driven by consumer demand around the world. WildAid and StarTimes will work together to raise awareness on wildlife conservation across StarTimes’ broadcast network in Africa.

WildAid works to reduce global consumption of endangered wildlife products and to increase local support for conservation efforts with high-impact media campaigns featuring some of the most influential voices in the world.

WildAid also works with governments and partners to protect fragile marine reserves from illegal fishing, to enhance public and political will for anti-poaching efforts, and to reduce climate change impacts.

WildAid CEO Peter Knights shared his support in a video message that through this partnership “We’re looking forward to producing new local programing on conservation, and getting the message to both villages and cities across the African continent.”

StarTimes is Africa’s leading digital-TV operator, serving African users through its DTT and DTH networks as well as StarTimes ON streaming application.

StarTimes Group Vice-President, Luis Lu, explained that “As a bridge between China and Africa, StarTimes now joins the fight of protecting Africa’s wildlife. With 25 million users in more than 30 countries, StarTimes will help to make sure that every African people know how priceless their wildlife is.”

WildAid and StarTimes will also explore opportunities in content coproduction and ground activities in Africa.