• E4J University Module Series: Wildlife Crime

• Module 2: International Frameworks for Combating Wildlife Trafficking

• Introduction and learning outcomes

• Key issues

• • Environmental protection and conservation
  • CITES and the international trade in endangered species
  • Organized crime and corruption
  • Animal welfare
  • References

• Exercises

• Possible class structure

• Core reading

• Advanced reading

• Student assessment

• Additional teaching tools

 

Published in September 2019 

Regional Perspective: Eastern and Southern Africa - added in April 2020 

 

 

  This module is a resource for lecturers  

 

Introduction

 

Module 2 introduces students to international conventions, guidelines, and organizations relevant to preventing and suppressing wildlife trafficking. The Module examines international law across four areas, including international trade, environmental protection and conservation, animal welfare, and organized crime and corruption. It explains the operation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in some depth, followed by briefer overviews of the Convention on Biological Diversity , the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage , the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals , the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime , and the United Nations Convention against Corruption . The Module further outlines a selection of 'soft law' materials and best practice guidelines relevant to combating wildlife trafficking. Students gain an understanding of the design and practical operation of international frameworks and are introduced to the work of some related international organizations, including INTERPOL and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Relevant gaps and deficiencies in international legal frameworks and international efforts in this field are highlighted.

 

Learning outcomes

• Understand the application and scope of major international instruments pertaining to wildlife trafficking, including the main instruments relating to trade, environmental protection and conservation, animal welfare, organized crime and corruption
• Understand the purpose, operation, and enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)
• Understand the limitations of the CITES system and the gaps in international frameworks in relation to wildlife trafficking
• Understand the mandate and activities of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and other organizations in relation to wildlife trafficking
• Identify and locate relevant international materials and critically engage with reports and scholarly literature relating to the international frameworks for combating wildlife trafficking

 

Next: Key issues

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