Wildlife & Biodiversity

‘Transport industry’s contribution crucial to tackling environmental crime’

Wide-reaching global intelligence exchange among police and non-governmental organisations also needed to promote environmental security

 
By DTE Staff
Published: Wednesday 18 November 2015
Photo by J G Collomb, World Resources Institute__

The second INTERPOL-United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) conference has ended with the launch of a blueprint that outlines efforts needed in future to enhance environmental security.

The global action plan, released at the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Conference in Singapore, is based on recommendations put forward by about 140 experts from 50 countries and 20 international organisations. Crimes like wildlife trafficking, illicit timber trade, illegal fishing, pollution crime and illegal dumping of waste were the highlight of the discussions that led to this plan.

Wide-reaching global intelligence exchange among police and non-governmental organisations to support successful investigations, and the critical role of enforcement in the climate change and sustainable development debates have been proposed as solutions. In addition, the importance of involving the private sector – such as the transportation industry – in efforts to tackle environmental crime was emphasised.

The action plan has focused on four main areas: multi-agency cooperation; police and judicial training; awareness raising; and strengthening legislative and regulatory mechanisms.

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