The INTERPOL – UNEP conference,
on 6 November 2013, has brought together executive leaders from around the
world to design a joint international strategy to tackle environmental crime. Cooperation
between intergovernmental organizations, as well as the environmental
enforcement actions of focus for the international community in the coming
years, has been the main topics of discussion during the conference.
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| President Daniel Arap Moi on the historic Ivory burning at Nairobi National Park |
The High-level national enforcement officials, high-level
ministerial/government representatives, relevant organizations and representatives
from civil society attended the unique forum to debate on recent trends and the
impacts of violations of environmental law for sustainable development and the
implementation of agreed environmental goals, discuss possible solutions and
the impact of new and existing tools in combating these violations and to agree
on the formulation of action points going forward.
Focus
on the recent trends and the impacts of violations of environmental law, from
the illegal dumping of hazardous waste, the smuggling of proscribed hazardous
materials, to the illegal exploitation and trafficking of protected wildlife
and other natural resources, for sustainable development and the implementation
of agreed environmental goals and objectives at all levels was highly
deliberated. Solutions and the generation of impact in combating crime and
other illicit activities against the environment through, inter alia,
the strengthening of existing mechanisms, the exploration of new initiatives
and technologies, and the exchange of information and the sharing of
experiences was also imperative in the discussions.
According to INTERPOL
and UNEP, environmental crime affects all sectors of society and is often linked
with the exploitation of disadvantaged communities, human rights abuses,
violence, conflict, money laundering, corruption and international criminal
syndicates. Wildlife crime alone is estimated to be worth USD $15 - 20 billion
annually and is recognized as the fourth largest global illegal trade behind
illegal drugs, human trafficking and trade armaments.
Studies indicate that the illegal trade in wildlife
and timber may help finance terrorism and organized crime across the world. The
same routes used to smuggle wildlife across countries and continents are often
used to smuggle weapons, drugs and people.
The development of the INTERPOL Environment Crime Programme and
its future mission, goals and objectives as a global strategy will be the way
forward in addressing the needs of the member countries and how can the
Programme better service those needs in a business orientated approach.
Considering the current and emerging threats nationally,
regionally and internationally, this conference was key in identifying vital
priorities and the path forward for an effective law enforcement response to
the environment, biodiversity and natural resource security threats.
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