IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Unodc, | |
| Global Programme for Combating Wildlife and Forest Crime | |
| 2015 Full Book | |
Wildlife and forest crime refers to the taking, trading (supplying, selling or trafficking), importing, exporting, processing, possessing, obtaining and consuming of wild fauna and flora, including animals, birds, fish, timber and other forest products, in contravention of national or international law. Broadly speaking, wildlife and forest crime is the illegal exploitation of the world's wild fauna and flora. Wildlife and forest crime threatens biodiversity and endangered species. It's not only big iconic mammals like elephants and rhinos that are effected but countless other species, ranging from sea cucumbers to turtles to rare flowers and plants. Once an emerging threat, wildlife and forest crime today has transformed into one of the largest transnational organized criminal activities alongside trafficking in drugs, arms and human beings. It has all the hallmarks of organized and sophisticated crime and shares many of the characteristics of other transnational criminal activities threatening national security, frequently involving other forms of criminality such as fraud, money laundering, corruption and counterfeiting. Criminal groups are using the same routes and techniques for wildlife and timber trafficking as for smuggling of other illicit commodities, exploiting gaps in national law enforcement and criminal justice systems. The billions of dollars generated by this illegal business are often reinvested into other forms of crimes; in some cases, money goes to financing terrorism and contributes to instability. Wildlife and forest crime hinders development. High levels of crime and violence are fundamental challenges to economic growth, hampering investment and productivity. The illegal wildlife trade also results in considerable loss of potential income to governments, which would otherwise be generated through legal trade, for example, through the sale of resources such as timber. Despite the transnational and organized nature of this illicit trade, the response varies significantly from one region to another. Successful investigations and prosecutions are few - an indication of the low priority often given to this issue. In an increasingly inter-connected and inter-dependent global society, it is ever more difficult for the responsible authorities to detect illicit consignments and the individual criminal. It is therefore crucial to act and seek solutions regionally, nationally and locally. No country is immune to the effects of these criminal activities. A global response for wildlife and forest crime is necessary as it is a common and shared responsibility requiring a balanced approach addressing supply, demand and livelihoods to effect long term change. |
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(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |