United Nations, Jumada I 12, 1436, Mar 3, 2015, SPA -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon marked World Wildlife Day Tuesday by saying that illegal wildlife trade undermines rule of law, degrades ecosystems, and severely hampers the efforts of rural communities striving to sustainably manage their natural resources. "Combating this crime is not only essential for conservation efforts and sustainable development; it will contribute to achieving peace and security in troubled regions where conflicts are fuelled by these illegal activities," Ban said in his message for the day. "Getting serious about wildlife crime means enrolling the support of all sections of society involved in the production and consumption of wildlife products, which are widely used as medicines, food, building materials, furniture, cosmetics, clothing and accessories," Ban said. --SPA 23:26 LOCAL TIME 20:26 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w