With the objective of aligning with the 2030 Agenda UN Sustainable Development Goals 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, GIFP action AIRCOP organised a pivotal workshop on combating wildlife trafficking. Held in Luanda, Angola from September 18-21, the workshop included participants from five AIRCOP Joint Interdiction Task Forces (JAITFs) from West and Central Africa.
The collaborative sessions, led by experts from Belgian and Burkinabe Customs, in tandem with the NGO EAGLE network, delved into international tools such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to prevent wildlife-related crimes. The training encompassed advanced risk analysis and targeting methodologies specific to air-based methods. Beyond strengthening the prevention and detection of wildlife crimes, the comprehensive approach explored potential links between these offenses and other criminal activities prevalent in the region.
AIRCOP remains dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement against wildlife trafficking. Through the 15 Joint Interdiction Task Forces (JAITFs) established in West and Central Africa, substantial seizures of environmental commodities have been made. As of May 2023, these include 663 kg of ivory and 1.9 tons of pangolin scales, marking significant strides in combatting transnational and environmental crime.
These achievements underpin the broader goals of the GIFP and of AIRCOP, which are exemplified through this workshop and its commitment to addressing transnational challenges comprehensively via collaborative and international engagement. By leveraging the expertise of local and international stakeholders, including customs organisations and non-governmental entities, AIRCOP recognises the interconnected nature of wildlife protection with the wider ambitions of disrupting these global illicit flows.
