LONDON, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The British government marked the Earth Day Monday by announcing 6 million U.S. dollars of fund for 14 schemes to combat illegal wildlife trade.

The money will be spent on schemes to combat poaching and protect species like marine turtles in Nicaragua and the Zoological Society of London's work to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade in grey parrots in Cameroon.

New education resources for school children around the world have also been launched on Earth Day. The online packs, in multiple languages, aims to teach the next generation about the dangers of fueling the illegal wildlife trade.

Calling the illegal wildlife trade "an international tragedy," Britain's Environment Minister Therese Coffey warned: "Serious organized criminal networks do more than just damage wildlife. Corruption and illegal activities undermine sustainable development and the rule of law, bringing misery to local communities."