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Defining and assessing wildlife crime in Central and West Africa is challenging because every country protects its animals, fish, timber, and other plant species in different ways. While there is no universally accepted definition of the term, the international community defines wildlife crime as including all activities led in violation of national and international laws protecting natural resources in jeopardy.
Activities such as poaching, illegal logging, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, the illegal trade in protected species, and the transformation for sale or the possession of such species all have a profound impact on wildlife populations and are causing the extinction of multiple plant and animal species in Africa. The fight against wildlife crime in Africa includes preventing traffickers from harvesting, killing, and illegally trading protected species of wild animals and plants.
“Illegal wildlife trafficking not only threatens species and ecosystems; it affects the livelihoods of local communities and diminishes touristic attractions. It compromises efforts towards poverty eradication and the achievement of sustainable development.”
His Excellency Sam Kahamba Kutesa, President of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly
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October 18, 2018
