Cape Town, 4 November 2024 - Representatives from law enforcement agencies, judicial institutions, environmental ministries and the private sector are meeting to discuss new threats and identify possible solutions to dismantle organized criminal groups and stop wildlife crime.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL and The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ United for Wildlife programme jointly organized the week, which will feature a series of events, including the 8th meeting of the Wildlife Inter-Regional Enforcement (WIRE) Forum organized by UNODC. Practitioners from 34 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America will focus on operational activities targeting transnational criminal syndicates, with the aim of intensifying cooperation against the trafficking of wild fauna and flora.
“Through the combined efforts of UNODC, INTERPOL and United for Wildlife, we are consolidating our resources, expertise and ideas to generate greater impact in the fight against wildlife crime,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. “Wildlife Week and the WIRE Forum provide a needed platform to strengthen operational exchanges and information sharing in the fight against wildlife crime. Participants will explore cooperation opportunities and strengthen the criminal justice response beyond the confiscation of contraband and the arrest of low-level offenders to go after the organized criminal networks responsible for this transnational crime.”
In the same week, the Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife programme hosts its Global Summit 2024 in Cape Town, which will bring global leaders from conservation, law enforcement and government together with United for Wildlife’s Taskforces across finance, law, transport, ecommerce, and other sectors. On 6 November, the 35th INTERPOL Wildlife Crime Working Group will begin. The meeting will facilitate networks and partnerships to enhance global law enforcement action and share the results of the INTERPOL Global Wildlife Crime Threat Assessment, which will guide future activities and projects.
INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said: “Cooperation is the cornerstone in the fight against wildlife crime, especially at this critical moment when poaching and illegal trade threaten countless species.
“Sharing expertise and information is crucial to strengthen the global net which can catch traffickers and protect endangered wildlife.
“A unified effort between law enforcement, conservationists, governments, the private sector and communities is vital to preserve biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems and make the world a safer place for all species.”
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Dion George, emphasized the significance of hosting these critical meetings in South Africa this year, a country whose rich biodiversity also makes it a key target for wildlife criminal syndicates.
“Wildlife crime is a global challenge which can only be combatted through a focused and integrated global effort. In South Africa, our commitment to this effort remains unwavering as we continue to implement our strategy aimed at breaking the illicit value chain of wildlife trafficking, in South Africa and beyond.”
Lord Hague of Richmond, Chairman of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce and Chair of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales said: "Environmental and wildlife crime is the third largest criminal activity in the world. United for Wildlife was born out of the idea that by working together we can have a greater impact on this interconnected, complex series of crimes."
"Collaboration is in our design and has been at the heart of our work since our inception. We're pleased to be coming together with UNODC, Interpol and other partners this week in South Africa to share learnings and build future plans to tackle illegal wildlife trade in true alignment."
