The second iteration of the Global Trend Report, published on 25 September 2024 under the ECO-SOLVE project, offers valuable insights into the shifting dynamics of illegal wildlife trade (IWT). Funded by the European Union through the Global Illicit Flows Programme (GIFP), the report draws on data from Brazil and South Africa’s GMS Data Hubs to shed light on the increasing use of digital platforms in facilitating IWT. Between May and July 2024, 477 online advertisements for 18 protected species were identified, with 78% hosted on social media platforms such as Facebook. These findings underscore the urgent need for robust regulations and enforcement measures to curb these activities online.
The report delves into regional patterns, showcasing the diverse nature of IWT. In Brazil, the pirarucu, a vulnerable Amazonian fish, was found to be a key target of trafficking networks, with its trade closely linked to cocaine smuggling routes. In South Africa, the report highlighted the illegal trade in animal parts for traditional medicine, reflecting a troubling intersection of cultural practices and conservation challenges. Species such as leopards, pangolins, and elephants featured prominently, with traffickers exploiting legal trade systems and concealing their operations through fake online profiles.
These findings highlight the complexity of IWT and the pressing need for coordinated responses. Recommendations from the report include enhanced digital monitoring, strengthened legislation, and the promotion of sustainable alternatives to traditional practices. Through the ECO-SOLVE project, this report provides critical insights to inform international efforts and supports the EU’s commitment to addressing environmental crime.
