While there has been some success in combating the illicit trade in some iconic wildlife species, and cross-border cooperation and recognition of wildlife crimes have improved, the magnitude of the problem remains large, with around 4,000 various plant and animal species being seized between 2015 and 2021, the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime reported in Vienna, Austria, earlier this month.
“The global scope and scale of wildlife crime remain substantial as the seizures indicate an illegal trade in 162 countries and territories,” the third edition of the office’s World Wildlife Crime Report said. Around 13 million animals and plants that were intended for use as food, medication, or luxury items were seized, the report said.
Wildlife trafficking is a significant global issue involving the illegal trade in various species of plants and animals, both living and their derivatives. The illicit trade threatens biodiversity and ecosystems, and can have severe consequences for local communities and global security, the report said. Species known to be targeted by traffickers include the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, pangolin, and various reptiles, birds, and marine life.
The U.N. has been actively involved in combating wildlife trafficking through various agencies and initiatives. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime are among the key players in this fight.
These organizations work together to strengthen law enforcement, enhance international cooperation, raise awareness, and support community-based conservation efforts. They also advocate for stronger legislation and penalties to deter wildlife trafficking and disrupt the criminal networks involved.
The U.N. has recognized that wildlife trafficking is not just an environmental issue, but also a social, economic, and security challenge that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response at the national, regional, and international levels.
