In 2019, the illegal wildlife trade reached staggering levels. Pangolin scales and ivory were being trafficked in massive quantities from Africa to Asia, exposing a network of crime syndicates operating at an industrial scale. The sheer volume of these shipments marked a disturbing milestone, one that revealed the global reach …
The department of environmental affairs plans to appoint a panel to review the implementation of recommendations from a committee into the feasibility of a legal trade in rhino horn. Minister Nomvula Mokonyane intends to appoint an advisory committee that will look into “existing policies, legislation, and practices related to the …
The government is set to take a final call on the Jharkhand government's request to reconsider the blanket ban on new iron ore mining in Saranda forests. Sources in the environment ministry said that the Jharkhand government has made its representations before an expert committee that was formed to address …
Order of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of The State of Madhya Pradesh & Others Vs Raj Kumar Jain dated 15/02/2019 regarding illegal transportation of tendu leaves with the help of a vehicle, which was subsequently seized by the forest authorities. The High Court held that the …
A parliamentary panel expressed concern on Tuesday over forest degradation in the country, especially in the north-eastern states, and urged the environment ministry to take stringent steps to curb the illegal felling of trees. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on science and technology, environment and forests, in its 324th report on …
With caviar trafficking driving endangered sturgeon and paddlefish species towards extinction, a collaborative study highlights the role of corruption in facilitating the illegal trade and recommends how corruption at the heart of wildlife crime across the globe can be addressed.
Panaji: The state government has designated the district judge-1 and additional sessions judge, South Goa, as the special court for speedy trial of the illegal mining cases. The special investigation team (SIT) has registered 16 illegal mining cases against the state. This designation, according to a notification signed by director …
Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Poaching of animals, 07/01/2019. Details of animal poaching incidents in various parts of the country are not collated in the Ministry. However, cases as reported and made available to Wildlife Crime Control Bureau for the last year by the State Enforcement Agencies is enclosed …
Several African countries with some of the largest elephant populations are calling for looser controls on legal ivory trade, while another group of countries on the continent say tighter controls are the best way to curb the illegal killing of elephants for their tusks. The dueling proposals were released by …
The publication takes stock and gives a ‘gap analysis’ of the current status of institutions and legal frameworks relating to the regulation of licit trade, and the prevention, detection and penalization of illicit trade, in wildlife and forest products. It also highlights useful components of existing instruments and possible issues …
This report presents a framework for strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of regulation of forestry and related sectors. It strives to identify and reduce regulatory burdens on private firms active in the forestry sector, while not compromising the objectives of government regulation. Illegal logging and deforestation, especially in developing countries, …
Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Illegal trade in wildlife articles, 31/12/2018. As per the information provided by the State authorities, illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife articles has not increased over the years. Details of the cases of illegal trade received from the State authorities during last three years …
Illegal ivory is widely available in physical and online retail outlets throughout Viet Nam according to a new TRAFFIC report published with support from USAID. The study, “From Tusk to Trinket: Persistent illegal ivory markets in Viet Nam,” documents surveys carried out at 852 retails outlets in 13 locations and …
The new study, Wildlife trade in Belgium: An analysis of CITES trade and seizure data, examines trade in species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and builds on earlier studies identifying Belgium as an important destination and transit point of …
The leadership of the Union of Liberia Community Forests (ULCF) has called on heads of logging companies in the country to desist from using names of politicians and government officials to take over community forests. This, according to ULCF, is undermining the development of rural communities and its people. "The …
In Tanzania's Grumeti Game Reserve, next to Serengeti National Park, elephants roam, rangers sleep more peacefully at night, and poachers have been put on notice, thanks to new technology designed to protect one of the world's most endangered species. In response to the surge in ivory poaching in Africa, where …
Nepal made headway in the fight against poaching and illegal wildlife trade with the achievement of 365 days of zero poaching of rhinos for the first time in 2011. Till 2018, Nepal was successful in celebrating zero poaching year of rhinos on five occasions. At the heart of this conservation …
Environmental crimes and corruption emerged as top challenges affecting Africa’s efforts to combat ecosystem degradation at the special session of the African Ministerial Conference of the Environment (AMCEN) in Kenya’s capital Nairobi. Delegates bemoaned lack of political will and indifference in tackling rampant wildlife crimes in Southern and East Africa, …
The London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is sounding the alarm over what it calls a “shadowy agreement” made by the Myanmar government to allow the logging and export of 5,000 tons of hardwood timber, including 3,000 tons of highly prized teak. In a statement, the EIA says that the timber …
Investigators exploring the plight of endangered jaguar have uncovered secretive networks of hunters, smugglers and organised gangs involved in multi-million-pound trafficking chains leading to China. The big cats are being tracked down in South America for their body parts to be illegally sold for a lucrative black market in traditional …
A new TRAFFIC study has shed light on the trade in precious corals in East Asia, revealing that inconsistent trade data and questionable harvesting practices could threaten vulnerable species. Precious corals have been harvested and traded internationally since as early as pre-dynastic Egypt, valued for their beauty by diverse cultures …
