Environmental Crime; its impact and why you should be concerned

Environmental crime refers to any illegal activity that harms the environment such as pollution of air, water and soil, deforestation, over fishing and illegal fishing illegal mining and extraction of natural resources, illegal logging and deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and illegal dumping of hazardous waste. These activities can have a negative impact on eco systems and threaten endangered species as well as harm human health.  Environmental crime is a serious issue requiring immediate global cooperation and coordinated efforts from governments, law enforcement and the public to address. it is often driven by greed and profit.

Environmental crime does not always contribute to climate change directly but it can have a negative impact on the environment and eco systems and eco systems are affected by climate change. For example, illegal logging or deforestation can contribute to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and reducing the amount of carbon absorbed by trees. Similarly, illegal dumping of hazardous waste can pollute water ways and harm aquatic eco systems. This can cause rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. Environmental crime triggers the effects of climate change by further damaging eco systems and natural resources that are already under stress.

There are several organizations and bodies that work to protect the environment in East Africa and some of the most prominent include United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) NEMA (national Environmental Management Authority, The East African Community(EAC), INTERPOL, REMA (Rwanda Environment Management Authority) among others. These organizations work to protect the environment in a variety of ways including promoting sustainable development, enforcing environmental laws and regulations and raising awareness about environmental issues.

Environmental crime can lead to illicit finances by providing an opportunity from criminals to make profit from criminal activities such as wildlife trafficking. These activities can generate large sums of money which can then be laundered through the financial system.

Fighting environmental crime requires multi-faceted approach that involves government, law enforcement, industry and the public. Some of the strategies that help prevent environmental crime include Raising awareness, promoting sustainable development to reduce the demand for natural resources, strengthening international cooperation, encouraging responsible industry practices, enforcing environmental laws and regulations. Preventing environmental crime is a complex issue that requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders.

Source and further reading found at https://www.interpol.int/en/Crimes/Environmental-crime , The Environmental Investigation Agency and The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

 

Compiled by

Prima Birungi

IAIF Project Assistant

primachante@gmail.com

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