Scientists At EPIC Biodiversity Caution Luxury Fashion Brands That Going Exotic Free May Jeopardize Conservation Efforts

Alligator watch bands, STEEL. (Photo: STEEL American Luxury)

NEW YORK--()--Scientists with EPIC Biodiversity as well as conservation experts at The International Union For Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have voiced growing concerns over luxury fashion brands halting their use of exotic leathers and what impact those decisions have on conservation efforts. For the past few years, luxury brands such as Chanel, Calvin Klein and Diane Von Furstenberg, along with large luxury retailers including Nordstrom and Selfridges, announced they would no longer use or sell exotic leathers or furs. Subsequently, IUCN sent an open letter to luxury brands, encouraging them to consider the benefits that trade in exotic leathers can generate for species, ecosystems, and people. Experts argue that science should inform decision making on this topic.

“Science is the most powerful problem solving tool we have,” says Dr. Daniel Natusch, conservation expert and Chair of the IUCN SSC Boa and Python Specialist Group. “Science has shown, perhaps counter-intuitively, that luxury brands have an important role to play in conserving reptile species and the habitats they rely on. Ignoring science risks jeopardizing the successful management systems in place around the world.”

Luxury fashion brands are constantly seeking to reduce their environmental footprint and move towards the use of more sustainable materials. At the same time, the fashion industry is facing increased scrutiny from consumers as well as media, who claim all use of animal-based raw materials in fashion products has negative ramifications. Often, these blanket statements are driven by emotion and mask comprehensive scientific evidence that illustrates a range of important benefits. Despite such evidence, fashion companies are being driven away from the use of exotic materials like reptile leather and towards less sustainable alternatives to appease ideological preferences. Animal activism is not new, but it is increasingly infiltrating mainstream science. Despite this rising pressure, a number of fashion companies continue their use of animal leather and have even incorporated the promotion of these sustainable materials as part of their corporate mission and company goals.

“Richemont is committed to underpinning our sustainable development goals with science-based decision making. American alligator has long been a part of our luxury material selection because the sustainable and wise use of these leathers has been linked to protecting precious wetlands, which in turn increases biodiversity and mitigates climate change. It is imperative to listen to science when making decisions within supply chains because there are complex issues that are not always intuitive,” said Matthew Kilgarriff, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Richemont.

Scientists have proven the sustainability of exotic leather production over the past 40 years. Credible organizations such as World Wildlife Fund, Inc. (WWF) base their conservation efforts on sustainable utilization of wildlife. Through responsible sourcing and a highly regulated industry monitored under the governance of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) use of reptile leathers allows fashion brands to successfully minimize their environmental footprint. Scientific evidence shows a range of benefits in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These include healthy and growing wildlife populations, livelihoods for indigenous people and impoverished communities, as well as a range of nature-based solutions to global challenges (such as climate change and habitat loss). Consequently, the use of responsibly-sourced and verified sustainable materials is paramount in supporting biodiversity at-large.

Crocodile Expert and Conservation Scientist at Florida International University, Dr. Matthew Shirley says, “The proof is in the pudding - or in this case, in the species. Of the world’s 27 crocodilian species, the only ones that aren’t imminently threatened with extinction are those that are being valued for commercial purposes. The remaining 7-10 species will be lost forever, some as soon as tomorrow, because local communities don’t value or benefit from them. Sustainable use saves wildlife, it saves habitat, and it saves people.”

To combat misinformation on this Earth Day, EPIC Biodiversity is advocating the support of science in place of animal rights rhetoric for the common goal of wildlife conservation and environmental preservation on a global scale.

For additional information, please visit EPIC Biodiversity or email emily@epicbiodiversity.com.

About EPIC Biodiversity

EPIC Biodiversity is a wildlife specialist consulting group focused on finding sustainable, science-based, solutions to a range of global problems. Made up of committed conservation experts, EPIC Biodiversity works to rekindle humanity’s connection with the natural world for the benefit of both people and planet. EPIC Biodiversity advises companies, NGOs and governments in more than 18 countries around the globe.

Contacts

Emily Rose
emily@epicbiodiversity.com

Release Summary

The sustainability and benefits of some exotic materials.

Contacts

Emily Rose
emily@epicbiodiversity.com