CAPE TOWN: Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has called for decisive and integrated action to deal with wildlife crimes, as they threaten the country’s rich biodiversity and the potential of the eco-tourism industry. Addressing the United for Wildlife Global Summit 2024 in Cape Town on Monday, the Minister emphasized the indispensable role of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) in shaping South Africa’s future within the increasingly complex global geopolitical landscape.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister stressed the need to refocus efforts towards action despite existing local and international initiatives aimed at addressing environmental crime. He highlighted the crucial roles of representatives from police, customs, prosecuting authorities, financial intelligence units, and environmental and wildlife investigative agencies in combating this global issue. The collaboration among these entities is essential to o
vercoming the scourge through a focused and integrated international effort.
South Africa’s wildlife, plant life, and marine life are increasingly targeted for illicit activities, with species such as lions, rhinoceros, pangolin, succulent plants, abalone, and fish stock significantly at risk. The Minister noted the devastating impact of these crimes on the country’s moral fabric, eco-tourism industry, and international standing. He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to implementing its National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, which aims to dismantle the illicit value chain of wildlife trafficking through a well-resourced, integrated, multidisciplinary law enforcement approach.
The Minister highlighted South Africa’s active participation in negotiations leading up to the recent United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, Conference of Parties. The country supported a resolution by Brazil, France, and Peru to enhance measures against environmental crimes, recognizin
g them as a major form of transnational organized crime. South Africa remains committed to the resolution’s key proposals and acknowledges the sophisticated nature of these crimes orchestrated by international criminal syndicates.
Dr. George emphasized the need to address the complex issues of poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods contributing to the rise of illicit activities. South Africa has actively participated in WIRE meetings since 2016, overcoming obstacles related to information sharing and cooperation in investigations. Collaboration with international counterparts, especially in Southeast Asia where the illicit market primarily exists, is crucial for tackling wildlife crime. Reinforcing relationships with law enforcement agencies in these countries remains essential, according to the Minister.