Exotic leather precious to conservation, scientists stress
Epic Biodiversity scientists and conservation specialists from Switzerland’s International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently spoke out about their concerns over an increasing number of luxury fashion houses (such as Chanel) and large high-end retailers (including Nordstrom and Selfridges) banning the use of exotic leather.
The IUCN sent an open letter to luxury chief executives on the subject in August 2020, highlighting the benefits of the exotic leather trade to people and planet, including species and their ecosystems.
Most recently, the IUCN and Paris-based Epic Biodiversity stressed the importance of science - not intuition - in related decision making.
Conservation expert and chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Boa and Python Specialist Group, Dr Daniel Natusch, commented: “Science has shown, perhaps counterintuitively, that luxury brands have an important role to play in conserving reptile species and the habitats they rely on.
“Ignoring science risks jeopardising the successful management systems in place around the world.”
Swiss luxury group Richemont’s director of corporate social responsibility, Matthew Kilgarriff, added: “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.”
In a press release, Epic Biodiversity emphasised exotic leather’s support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including healthy and growing wildlife populations and livelihoods for indigenous people and impoverished communities.
“The proof is in the pudding - or in this case, the species,” crocodile expert and conservation scientist at Florida International University, Dr Matthew Shirley, said. “Of the world’s 27 crocodilian species, the only ones that aren’t immediately threatened with extinction are those that are being valued for commercial benefits.”
Image shows four Hermès diamond Birkin bags, sold by Christie’s at an auction in London in December 2018. Credit: Christie’s handbag and accessories department’s Instagram (@christieshandbags)
