Panama Convention Center, Room
America 3
Panama City,
21 – 22 November 2022
4th Global Meeting of
Wildlife Enforcement
Networks
Meeting Report:
This publication was made possible through support provided by the United States Department of
State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, under the terms of
Award No. S-LMAQM-18-CA-2108. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do
not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of State.
© United Nations, June 2023. All rights reserved, worldwide.
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without
special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgment of the source is made.
The report summarizes the main discussions and outcomes of the meeting as expressed by participants and do not necessarily
reflect the views of ICCWC or its individual partner organizations.
The designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or the use of the term “country” in this document do
not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the ICCWC Partner Organizations concerning the legal status of
any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
Suggested citation: International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (2023) Meeting Report: 4th Global Meeting
of Wildlife Enforcement Networks. Geneva, Switzerland.
For further information about ICCWC, contact the CITES Secretariat
Palais des Nations Avenue de la Paix 8-14, 1211 Genève 10, Switzerland
Email: [email protected]
The International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) is a unique partnership of
five intergovernmental organizations to help law enforcement bring criminals engaged in wildlife
crime to justice.
Through technical assistance, tools, training, and operational support, ICCWC works along the
entire criminal justice chain, building the capacity of frontline law enforcement in countries and
regions around the world affected by wildlife crime.
The ICCWC partners are the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the International Criminal Police Organization
(INTERPOL), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Bank Group
(WBG) and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Further information on ICCWC is available at www.iccwc-wildlifecrime.org
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Contents
Executive summary ........................................................................................................................ 2
Background and objectives of the meeting .................................................................................... 3
Agenda and meeting materials ...................................................................................................... 3
Participants ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Opening Session ............................................................................................................................. 4
Session 1: Outcomes from the 3rd Global meeting of WENs and activities undertaken in this
regard: feedback from ICCWC ........................................................................................................ 4
Session 3: Exploring opportunities to further enhance synergies and collaboration .................... 7
Session 4: Enhancing inter-regional collaboration among WEN Member States ........................... 8
Session 5: Promoting the use of existing tools and services ......................................................... 9
Session 6: Operational support and opportunities for WEN engagement ................................... 10
Session 7: Enhancing cross-regional collaboration among WENs ................................................ 11
Session 8: Identification of key wildlife crime trends and associated matters and engagement in
operational activities at global/regional level .............................................................................. 12
Session 9: Outcomes of the meeting and next steps ................................................................... 13
Closing and acknowledgements ................................................................................................... 14
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Executive summary
On 21 and 22 November 2022, over 100 representatives from regional networks, law enforcement
authorities, inter-governmental organizations and other relevant organizations came together at
the 4th Global meeting of Wildlife Enforcement Networks (WENs).
Regional networks comprising a variety of national wildlife law enforcement agencies across the
criminal justice chain, including police, customs and prosecutors from around the world, came
together to share experiences and explore synergies to enhance collaboration to combat wildlife
crime in their respective regions and between regions. Network representatives discussed how
to further strengthen their operational effectiveness, analyzed regional and subregional wildlife
crime trends and considered how to increase regional and global cooperative efforts to combat
wildlife crime. Progress was reviewed based on the outcomes of the 3rd Global Meeting of WENs,
held in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2019. Best practices and lessons learned from existing networks
were considered, including new opportunities for promoting the use of tools and services available
through the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) to strengthen law
enforcement efforts.
Key outcomes of the meeting encouraged that:
1. WENs use the ICCWC Guidelines for Wildlife Enforcement Networks as well as other tools
and services available through ICCWC partner agencies, to help strengthen their efforts
and to request support from ICCWC as needed.
2. WENs, as relevant and appropriate, increase collaboration and engagement with activities
and initiatives deployed in their respective regions, including for example those mobilized
by the USFWS Law Enforcement Attaché Programme, the Global Environment Facility
(GEF-8) through the Wildlife Conservation for Development Integrated Program, the GEF-
funded Global Wildlife Program, as well as by Civil Society Organizations.
3. ICCWC give greater visibility to information concerning WENs on the ICCWC website,
including for example by making available network information sheets and the directory of
WEN focal points.
4. Cooperation and collaboration between and across networks be further strengthened,
including by where appropriate promoting secondments and inter-regional sharing of
experiences by inviting representatives from different networks and regions to their
respective regional meetings or activities.
5. WENs in coordination with relevant stakeholders continue to provide capacity building
across their respective regions to enhance the effectiveness of responses to combat
wildlife crime.
6. WENs, ICCWC and relevant stakeholders to consider the key trends, priorities and
species identified during the meeting and explore opportunities to mobilize targeted
activities focusing on them.
The meeting was convened by the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), on behalf of ICCWC and with generous
funding support from the Department for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific
Affairs Bureau of the United States of America. The meeting was held alongside the 19th meeting
of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP19).
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Background and objectives of the meeting
The CITES Secretariat, in cooperation with its ICCWC partners and with generous funding
support from the Department of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
Bureau of the United States of America convened the Fourth Global Meeting of Wildlife
Enforcement Networks (WENs) on 21 to 22 November 2022, alongside the 19th meeting of the
Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP19), in Panama City, Panama.
The meeting brought together over 100 representatives from networks, law enforcement
authorities, inter-governmental organizations and other relevant organizations from around the
world to review progress on combating wildlife crime taking into consideration the outcomes of
the 3rd Global Meeting of WENs (Geneva, Switzerland, 2019); provide a platform to discuss and
analyze trends in wildlife crime in the various regions and subregions; to further enhance
synergies between existing initiatives and regional enforcement bodies; to strengthen cooperation
at regional and global levels; and to explore potential activities to be pursued with the aim of
further strengthening collective responses to combating wildlife crime across and between regions.
Agenda and meeting materials
Participants were requested to update and complete the information sheet with details on their
respective networks prior to the meeting. The completed information sheets were provided to
participants as background documents during the meeting.
The meeting agenda is available as Annex 1. The WEN information sheets are available as Annex
2. All relevant information on the meeting has been made available, as received, on the ICCWC
website.
Participants
The meeting brought together over 100 participants, including over 34 women, representing
eleven (11) existing WENs, prospective WENs, as well as other relevant networks, wildlife law
enforcement offices, international organizations, civil society and other relevant organizations.
Networks that attended included:
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Working Group on CITES and Wildlife
Enforcement;
• Caribbean Wildlife Enforcement Network (CaribWEN);
• China National Inter-agencies CITES Enforcement Coordination Group (NICEGG);
• Commission of Central African Forests (COMIFAC) / Central Africa WEN;
• European Commission Enforcement Working Group;
• Horn of Africa Wildlife Enforcement Network (HA-WEN);
• Lusaka Agreement Taskforce (LATF);
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• Red de Observancia y Aplicación de la Normativa Silvestre para Centroamérica y
República Dominicana (ROAVIS) / Central America WEN;
• Rhino and Elephant Security Group (RESG, Southern Africa);
• South America Wildlife Enforcement Network (SudWEN);
• South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN);
Interested CITES Parties, international, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations
were also invited to attend as observers. Participants included delegates from Australia, Canada,
Colombia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Maldives, Oman, Panama, Peru, Tanzania,
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and Viet Nam;
representatives from ASEANOPOL, the CITES Secretariat, INTERPOL, the United Nations Office
on Drugs and Crime, the World Bank and the World Customs Organization as well as
representatives from the ADM Capital Foundation, Animal Welfare Institute, Cheetah
Conservation Fund , Defenders of wildlife, Environmental Investigation Agency, Grace Farms
Foundation, IFAW, Malaysian Timber Industry Board, TRAFFIC, Wildlife Conservation Society,
Wildlife Justice Commission and the World Wildlife Fund.
Representatives from AFRIPOL, EUROPOL, the Indian Ocean Forum on Maritime Crime
(IOFMC), North America Wildlife Enforcement Group (NAWEG), Southern Africa WEN; and future
members of the West and Central Africa WEN (under development at the time of the meeting)
were invited to participate in the meeting but were not able to attend.
Opening Session
Welcoming remarks were provided on behalf of ICCWC by Ivonne Higuero, CITES Secretary-
General and by Monica Medina, Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental
and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State. His excellency Milcíades Concepción, Minister of
Environment of Panama opened the meeting as host country to the 19th meeting of the
Conference of the Parties to CITES. The opening session also introduced the meeting objectives
and included an overview of the outcomes of the 3
rd
Global Meeting of the WENs.
Session 1:
Outcomes from the 3rd Global meeting of WENs and activities
undertaken in this regard: feedback from ICCWC
This session was moderated by the CITES Secretariat. A brief presentation of the Guidelines for
Wildlife Enforcement Networks was provided, including the process to develop the tool, its
purposes and target audience. The structure and use of the Guidelines for Wildlife Enforcement
Networks (WEN Guidelines) was explained, noting it was divided into three sections as follows:
• Introduction: rationale and use of the guidelines;
• Guideline 1: key considerations in the development of a WEN, and;
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• Guideline 2: self-assessment tool to assist existing WENs to evaluate their level of
maturity and/or operational performance and identify possible areas that could be
strengthened.
ICCWC partners and WEN representatives provided feedback on actions taken since the 3
rd
Global Meeting that align with its outcomes.
SudWEN highlighted it held its Regional Meeting in 2021 with more than 60 experts from the
region including other WENs (CAWEN and ASEAN WG WE) and ICCWC partners. This meeting
facilitated the exchange of perspectives on how to implement SudWEN and promote the
necessary structure to consolidate the network. The meeting also provided support for the
development of Terms of Reference of the Network as its operating baseline. ICCWC has been
supporting SudWEN and continues to provide technical assistance and support.
HAWEN is hosted by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in Eastern Africa (IGAD)
and received support from ICCWC to further operationalize the network in 2021 and support was
provided to the network and its member States, including through the ICCWC Wildlife and Forest
Crime Analytical Toolkit and ICCWC Indicator Framework implementation in Djibouti and Uganda.
ICCWC supported the organization of the 4th HAWEN Executive Committee meeting (October
2021) and will support the implementation of the WEN Guidelines and 5th Executive Committee
meeting (December 2022).
WCO presented the operational support and activities conducted under ICCWC Thunder-series
of Operations and other activities since the 3rd Global meeting of WENs. It underlined that the
operational concept focuses on strengthening the cooperation and collaboration within the law
enforcement community, especially between police and customs, but also prosecutors to provide
a unique criminal justice approach toward the illegal wildlife and timber trade phenomena.
Networks and their member countries were encouraged to actively participate.
During the second part of the session, WENs were invited to provide feedback on actions taken
that aligned with or contributed to the outcomes of the 3rd Global meeting of WENs:
• HAWEN presented on activities undertaken in the framework of the HAWEN Action Plan,
and operationalization of the network (mobilizing human and financial resources,
finalization of IGAD/AU Cooperation Agreement, development of a regional Protocol on
care and custody of recovered and confiscated live animals, development of a framework
for harmonizing TFCA agreement and the planned WEN Guidelines assessment on 7 to
9 December 2022).
• SudWEN indicated that its efforts were focusing on strengthening regional cooperation
and establishing support networks through interinstitutional cooperation; working hand-
in-hand with CITES and SUDWEN Authorities and promoting the exchange of
experiences of network members to work together against wildlife trafficking.
Other initiatives and partners were also invited to provide an update on efforts to increase
cooperation with WENs and their member states:
• The United for Wildlife Financial and Transport Taskforces provided a video presentation
on the impact of the Taskforces, contributing in 2022 to the arrest of over 300 people and
to over 400 law enforcement investigations, among others. It presented also on various
initiatives it contributed to including on combating illegal wildlife trade in international
maritime trafficking.
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• The United for Wildlife Global Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online presented on the
47 companies who partner with the coalition and how industry and law enforcement
collaborate for data analysis and sharing of targeted information of illicit networks
operating online, online trafficking trends and sharing of best practices and lessons
learned. It also provided an overview of the Online Wildlife Learning, Education & Training
(OWLET) tool.
Session 2:
Increased collaboration and communication, both within and
between networks (all WENs)
This session, moderated by the World Bank, encouraged networks to highlight key opportunities,
challenges and lessons learned to facilitate increased collaboration and communication within the
network, and across networks:
• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Working Group on CITES and Wildlife
Enforcement (ASEAN WG on CITES and WE) highlighted the challenges faced by the
network including language barriers, differences in legal systems and lack of effective
communication channels within and with other networks. It stressed these could be
overcome by enhancing communication, regular opportunities for capacity building
activities for law enforcement, and sharing of information and experience. The Vietnam
WEN also shared best practices, challenges and lessons learned from national
perspective.
• The China National Inter-agencies CITES Enforcement Coordination Group (NICE-CG)
highlighted its efforts in terms of domestic and international cooperation, and capacity
building. Discrepancies in IWT legislation, underutilization of existing instruments for
combating wildlife crime, and privacy policies were among the key challenges identified
by the network. Enhanced cooperation and communication could be achieved through
improvement of legislation regarding wildlife crime as a serious crime; guidance on the
boundary between privacy protection and information sharing; the establishment and
promotion of secured channels to facilitate intelligence sharing and measures to interpret
seizure data; in addition to the need for a cooperation-friendly environment.
• The European Commission Enforcement Working Group presented the efforts made on
communication and sharing of information amongst EU member states, including through
the EU-Trade in Wildlife Information eXchanges(TWIX), the enhancement of legislation,
improvement of analysis of trade data, inspections and criminal investigations. It also
shared trends in wildlife trafficking such as difficulties with tackling illegal trade in birds,
reptiles and amphibians, eels, elephant ivory and big cats. The network highlighted the
increasing needs for specialization within enforcement authorities; for enlarging the
network of forensic and conservation experts; for better collaboration with non-European
countries and faster communication between EU Member States. Opportunities to
enhance collaboration were identified such as targeted joint EU law enforcement seminars.
• The Lusaka Agreement Taskforce (LATF) presented best practices such as the Cross
Border Wildlife Security meetings and platforms between Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique,
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Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Its key challenges were mainly due to lack of financial
resources and differing domestic legislation and mandates. The creation of national
specialized law enforcement task forces has proven effective to promote coordination and
collaboration with other networks. The network suggested new WENs could be mentored
by existing WENs; encourage timely sharing of information and more frequent
communication at the regional level; capacity building for law enforcement/specialized
units as well as the need to actively participate in and engage in joint projects or activities.
• The Red de Observancia y Aplicación de la Normativa Silvestre para Centroamérica y
República Dominicana (ROAVIS – or Central América WEN) reported that information
sharing and communication between focal points and different authorities was a key
challenge. The network highlighted that regional-level meetings and joint operational
planning were critical to strengthen cooperation. The sharing of information at regional
and international levels had supported the identification of various trafficking networks and
should be enhanced. The use of existing tools and services, such as the mobile application
developed by ROAVIS, had also been a powerful tool in supporting cooperation at the
regional level.
• The Rhino and Elephant Security Group (RESG) highlighted that having a consistent
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson in position for long term and having senior country
representatives engaged within the network and rotating meeting venues among various
countries has been very beneficial to the network. Main challenges included lack of
financial resources, Covid-19 restrictions making in person meetings challenging and the
lack of common goals. The main lessons learned were that in the absence of face-to-face
meetings, interactions and personal relations had been reduced, which in turn also
reduced engagement in the network.
• The South Asia (SA-WEN) reported lack of financial resources, turnover in focal points,
lack of a centralized database and information sharing protocols, and limited access to
forensic laboratories and facilities as main challenges. The opportunities to enhance
coordination within the network and with other networks include to publish annual WEN
reports, to standardize meetings and promote access to cutting edge technology.
Session 3:
Exploring opportunities to further enhance synergies and
collaboration
This session was moderated by INTERPOL. It focused on presenting relevant and existing
developments and initiatives, as well as opportunities to interact with WENs. It aimed at allowing
WENs to engage as well as discuss and identify possible synergies and opportunities for
collaboration, where possible. The initiatives presented were not exhaustive and WENs were
invited to engage with further developments and initiatives in their respective region as may be
appropriate.
The World Bank presented insights from the newly launched guidance note on national and sub-
national law enforcement interagency collaboration to combat wildlife trafficking produced under
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the auspices of the Global Wildlife Program’s (GWP)
1
. The report looks at practical lessons learnt,
good practices and recommendations from GWP national projects on addressing the challenges
with establishing new or strengthening existing mechanisms for inter-agency collaboration. The
WB also provided a brief overview of the upcoming GEF-8 Wildlife Conservation for Development
Integrated Program (WCD IP), highlighting the three key IP entry points of human wildlife
coexistence, addressing illegal and high-zoonotic risk wildlife trade and wildlife for prosperity. All
GEF-eligible countries can express interest through their national GEF Operational Focal Points
2
by 17
th
February 2023.
TRAFFIC, on behalf of the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online, presented how the initiative
can support WENs, including through: data analysis and sharing of targeting information of illicit
networks operating online, sharing of online trafficking trends, e-learning offers, connecting the
private sector and law enforcement as well as sharing best practices and lessons learned.
The U.S. International Law Enforcement Attaché Programme (USFWS) provided a recorded
presentation on the mandates of the attachés which are supporting wildlife trafficking
investigations in the different countries and regions, fostering transnational collaboration and
investigations, advising on the use of assets to combat wildlife trafficking and assisting in capacity
building efforts.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), on behalf of the International Maritime Organization (IMO),
presented on the IMO Guidelines on the Prevention and Suppression of the Smuggling of Wildlife
on Ships Engaged in International Maritime Traffic. The guidelines were developed by a multi-
stakeholder working group led by the Kenya government with input and review by IMO member
states and including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), WWF, the Environmental
Investigation Agency (EIA), TRAFFIC and the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce. They are
intended to complement international instruments and recommend measures to prevent and
suppress smuggling of wildlife on ships engaged in international maritime traffic.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), on behalf of other CSOs represented at the meeting,
highlighted some of the benefits from strengthened collaboration between the WENs leveraging
multidisciplinary approaches, and including resources and expertise provided by CSOs, their
field presence, permanence/continuity, low turnover of staff and contacts and
communication/collaboration channels.
Session 4:
Enhancing inter-regional collaboration among WEN Member States
This session was moderated by the CITES Secretariat. In order to explore how to best enhance
collaboration and communication within networks and with key regional initiatives, participants
1
The Global Wildlife Program covers over 30 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and focuses on
conservation of wildlife and habitats, promoting wildlife-based economies, combating wildlife trafficking
and reducing demand
2
Full list available here: https://www.thegef.org/who-we-are/focal-points
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were divided into working groups by region
3
. Each group was asked to identify 3 to 5 key elements
that could be implemented by WENs to enhance inter-regional collaboration among WEN member
states. Each group nominated a moderator and a rapporteur who then reported back in plenary.
The Africa group identified as main key elements the need to complement and not compete with
overlapping members within WENs; the need for free and direct communication between
members, and that communication should be “authorized” within the WEN; the need for long term
placement/membership in a WEN to build trust and improve communication; the need to
designate focal points who can carry this function; the need for face to face meetings, again to
build trust between members; the need for inter-agency capacity building activities, the need to
identify trusted partners outside of the WENs and finally, the need for shared common
understanding of the goals of the WENs.
The Asia group highlighted three categories to improve collaboration and communication within
networks, which were on governance (e.g. establishment of MoU, appointment of focal points and
establishing trust between networks), participation (e.g. WEN meetings, secondments, and
participation in joint meeting and activities) and information sharing and capacity building (e.g. an
EU-TWIX platform for Asia and targeted capacity building based on needs).
The Europe and North America group reported the need for the expansion of members to
encompass the whole region, the need for standardized WEN meetings and designated, long
term appointed focal points, the need of an online platform to share resources and contacts details,
such as the Directory of laboratories conducting wildlife forensics testing, and the need to have
access to legal frameworks of each country regarding wildlife crime.
The Central and South America group also insisted that the institutionalization and
operationalization of the networks, designated and dedicated focal points, together with a
common strategic planning and vision could enhance collaboration and communication within and
with other WENs.
Session 5:
Promoting the use of existing tools and services
This session was moderated by the CITES Secretariat. It aimed at highlighting various tools and
services available through ICCWC partner agencies that could be used by WENs and their
member countries to enhance their responses at national, regional and international level.
UNODC highlighted the 2nd edition of the ICCWC Wildlife and Forest Crime Analytic Toolkit and
Indicator Framework, revised in 2022 to improve their structure and content, reflecting the
evolving nature of these crimes as well as recommendations stemming from an independent
evaluation of the Toolkit. UNODC also presented on various tools that could help member states
addressing corruption associated with wildlife crime.
3
Participants broke into four (4) groups by region: Africa, Asia, Europe and North America and Central
and South America. ICCWC partners joined each group to support with inputs, translation and note-
taking.
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The World Bank introduced the Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Risk Assessment
(ENV Module). The three-step tool assists countries exposed to environmental crimes to assess
their anti-money laundering risks in the natural resource sectors, including wildlife trade by
assessing the country vulnerabilities in their systems and legal frameworks, and formalize an
action plan. The ENV Module can be run independently or integrated into the broader Anti-Money
Laundering National Risk Assessment (AML NRA Toolkit).
INTERPOL highlighted the range of INTERPOL Notices, including their different use and the
process to be issued, and encouraged network member states to utilize this services in support
of their investigations. It also presented tools and support available to combat wildlife crime linked
to the internet.
WCO provided a brief on ENVIRONET, a real-time communication tool for environmental matters,
which is used to share best practices, exchange information on seizures and possible on going
trafficking, create discussion on specific topics, facilitate assistance by experts from international
organization but also cooperation between customs administrations, competent agencies and
international organizations. It also presented on CLiCK!, the Customs Learning and Knowledge
Community, an e-learning training portal gathering CITES and wildlife related courses.
Session 6:
Operational support and opportunities for WEN engagement
This session was moderated by the CITES Secretariat and aimed at drawing attention to the
operational support available and to offer opportunities for WENs to engage or discuss potential
synergies.
INTERPOL highlighted the ICCWC global Thunder-series of Operations and other operational
support available through ICCWC. It presented the results from previous global Thunder-series
of Operations, which have highlighted that cooperation at national, regional and international level
is critical. INTERPOL also highlighted the support available on the field through the Regional
Bureaus (NCBs).
WCO presented the support available through the WCO Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices
(RILOs) which are regional centers for collecting and analyzing (customs) data as well as for
disseminating information on trends, modus operandi, routes and significant cases of (customs)
fraud.
ASEANAPOL and the Royal Thai Police highlighted the role of ASEANAPOL at the regional level
and highlighted the work of the regional body through examples of best practices and case studies
from the Royal Thai Police.
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Session 7:
Enhancing cross-regional collaboration among WENs
This Session was moderated by the World Bank. With the objective to further explore how to
enhance collaboration and communication with other networks and regions, participants were
divided into working groups
4
, with each group having a representative from each region. Each
group was asked to focus on identifying 3 to 5 key elements that could be implemented by WENs
to enhance collaboration and communication across networks and regions, considering
discussions throughout the meeting. Each group nominated a moderator and a rapporteur to
report in plenary.
Group 1 highlighted that institutionalization of WENs and formal cooperation mechanism (MoUs)
or other forms of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), together with enhanced communication
through meetings, newsletters to share and celebrate success stories, or a dedicated webpage,
could enhance collaboration and communication between WENs. Trust and personal relations
also form a solid base for strong relations between WENs.
Group 2 underlined the need for a common online platform where a directory of designated WEN
focal points would be made available, and the need to share and monitor trends and cases
regarding the impact of illegal wildlife trade in different regions and between origin, transit or
destinations countries. The need to convene specific task forces, including WENs of different
regions, was also put forward.
Group 3 welcomed tools and services available through ICCWC and the broad range of services
and initiatives highlighted during the meeting and encouraged other WENs to use such services
and platforms as relevant to their specific regions. It stressed the need for institutionalization of
WENs and of cooperation frameworks to ensure trust and information sharing and encouraged
designation and long-term appointment of focal points. The need for additional capacity building,
joint operations and more regular meetings to bring together WENs and promote common goals
and a shared vision was also highlighted.
Group 4 also welcomed existing tools and platforms such as ENVIRONET. It also stressed the
need for formal cooperation frameworks, a common online platform to share contacts, trends and
cases and the need for more recurring meetings, capacity building activities and joint task forces
on species specific matters.
4
Participants broke into four (4) groups and ICCWC partners joined each group to support with inputs,
translation and note-taking.
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Session 8:
Identification of key wildlife crime trends and associated matters and
engagement in operational activities at global/regional level
At the start of the session Monica Medina, Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International
Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State provided some remarks and
thanked the audience for their work. It was stressed that the threat of wildlife crime remains a
priority and that the link with climate and biodiversity could not be ignored. WENs can play an
important role in facilitating increased collaboration and enhancing regional and international
responses against wildlife crime and should be supported to function optimally.
This session was moderated by INTERPOL and included presentations aimed at providing
participants with background information to prepare for the working group session to discuss
specific key wildlife crime trends from each region.
UNODC presented the key findings and trends identified in the World Wildlife Crime Report (2020)
and highlighted in particular illegal trade in ivory and rhinoceros’ horns, pangolins scales, and
rosewood. The full report is available here.
The CITES Secretariat presented key species affected by illegal trade whose status and
regulation were under discussion at CoP19, including CITES-listed tree species, big cats,
rhinoceroses, totoaba, cheetah, pangolins, tortoises and freshwater turtles, marine turtles, eels,
among other. It was noted that 52 proposals were put forward for consideration at CoP19 and
nearly 600 species were under consideration to modify the regulations that govern their
international trade. All documents regarding species affected by wildlife crime discussed at CoP19
can be found here.
The CITES Secretariat and UNODC presented the CITES illegal trade reports and the CITES
Illegal Trade Database which are powerful tools to ensure appropriately storage, management
and utilization of data, but that will also help inform research, analyses, the decision-making of
Parties, and the development of law enforcement responses to wildlife crime.
Following the presentations, participants divided into five (5) working groups.
5
Each group
nominated a moderator and a rapporteur to report to plenary 3 to 5 key wildlife trafficking trends
and 3 to 5 key species affected by illegal wildlife trade.
The Africa group highlighted that environmental crime was also a key challenge for its impact on
wildlife. Key wildlife trafficking trends were identified as such: illegal harvesting, habitat loss and
fragmentation through illegal land use, all forms of trafficking. The main species affected by illegal
wildlife trade in the Africa region were identified as such: Rhinoceroses, elephants, and pangolins.
The Asia group reported it was mainly a transit and origin region and that most affected species
by illegal wildlife trade included timber, pangolins and marine species.
5
Participants divided into groups by region: Africa, Asia, Europe and North America and Central and
South America and one for observer organizations. ICCWC partners joined each group to support with
inputs, translation and note taking.
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The Europe and North America group brought forward that the species most at risk were eels,
followed by reptiles, songbirds, cactus and large carnivores.
The Central and South America group reported that corruption and the link between wildlife crime
and other forms of transnational crimes (drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking) were
the main issues in the region. The species most affected by illegal wildlife trade in their region
were identified as such: reptiles, trees, jaguars, sea horses and vicunas.
The Observers Group identified species most affected by illegal wildlife trade such as: bushmeat,
sharks and fishery, timber.
Session 9:
Outcomes of the meeting and next steps
The outcomes and closing of the meeting were moderated by the CITES Secretariat. Building on
presentations and discussions from working groups, moderators provided a brief summary on
opportunities to enhance collaboration and communication within and between WENs, on
opportunities for engagement with existing efforts/initiatives, operational activities and increasing
the use of existing tools/services and on key regional wildlife crime trends identified and activities
that could be proposed for consideration by networks or by ICCWC.
Key outcomes of the meeting encouraged that:
1. WENs use the ICCWC Guidelines for Wildlife Enforcement Networks as well as other tools
and services available through ICCWC partner agencies, to help strengthen their efforts
and to request support from ICCWC as needed.
2. WENs, as relevant and appropriate, increase collaboration and engagement with activities
and initiatives deployed in their respective regions, including for example those mobilized
by the USFWS Law Enforcement Attaché Programme, the Global Environment Facility
(GEF-8) through the Wildlife Conservation for Development Integrated Program, the GEF-
funded Global Wildlife Program, as well as by Civil Society Organizations.
3. ICCWC give greater visibility to information concerning WENs on the ICCWC website,
including for example by making available network information sheets and the directory of
WEN focal points.
4. Cooperation and collaboration between and across networks be further strengthened,
including by where appropriate promoting secondments and inter-regional sharing of
experiences by inviting representatives from different networks and regions to their
respective regional meetings or activities.
5. WENs in coordination with relevant stakeholders continue to provide capacity building
across their respective regions to enhance the effectiveness of responses to combat
wildlife crime.
6. WENs, ICCWC and relevant stakeholders to consider the key trends, priorities and
species identified during the meeting and explore opportunities to mobilize targeted
activities focusing on them.
14 | Page
Closing and acknowledgements
Concluding remarks were provided by the CITES Secretariat, on behalf of ICCWC, and by the
U.S. State Department's Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Bureau.
The various initiatives and efforts put together by WENs to implement the recommendations from
the previous meeting and the Guidelines for Wildlife Enforcement Networks were welcomed.
WENs and ICCWC partners were encouraged to actively pursue, within their respective mandates
and available resources, the key outcomes and next steps emanating from the meeting.
ICCWC thanks all network representatives and participants of the Fourth Global Meeting of the
WENs for their active participation and engagement in the meeting, as well as their strong support
and commitment to combating wildlife crime.
ICCWC is also grateful to the Department for Oceans and International Environmental and
Scientific Affairs Bureau of the United States of America for the funds generously made available
to support this event.
International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC)
1
4th GLOBAL MEETING OF WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT NETWORKS
Panama Convention Center, Room America 3
Panama City, 21 – 22 November 2022,
AGENDA
21 November 2022
8.30
9.00
9.20
Annex 1
International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC)
2
9.40
10.10
10.30
11.20
International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC)
3
12.00
14.00
14.45
Session 3 – Exploring opportunities to further enhance synergies and collaboration. Moderated by:
Belinda Christensen, INTERPOL
Presentations (5 min per presentation, 30 min total):
1. GWP’s insights on national and sub-national law enforcement interagency collaboration – Monica
Zavagli, World Bank
2. Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online (TRAFFIC/IFAW) - Xu Ling, TRAFFIC
3. U.S. International Law Enforcement Attaché Programme (USFWS) (recorded presentation) - Bryan
Landry, USFWS
4. IMO Guidelines on Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) – Brian Gonzales, WWF
5. Opportunities for collaboration with CSOs - Adrian Reuter and Kurt Duchez – WCS on behalf of NGO
partners
Q&A and discussion (15 min)
What to expect: presentations on relevant developments and initiatives, followed by discussion on
opportunities to interact with WENs, and how WENs could engage as well as a discussion to identify possible
synergies and opportunities for collaboration where possible.
15.30
Coffee break
16.00
International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC)
4
16.45
17.15
18.00
22 November 2022
8.30
Registration
9.00
Recap of Day 1 and outline of day 2 – Edward van Asch, CITES Secretariat
9.05
Session 6 – Operational support and opportunities for WEN engagement. Moderated by: Alek Arora,
UNODC
Presentations (5 min per presentation, 40 min total):
1. ICCWC global Thunder-series of Operations and other operational support available through
ICCWC –David Migwi, INTERPOL
2. WCO Support available through Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices – Igor Jakupic, WCO
3. INTERPOL Regional Bureaus – INTERPOL on behalf of Mrs Chantal Apendeki Cinene
4. ASEANAPOL and Royal Thai Police – Pol.Maj.Gen. Khemmarin Hassiri, Royal Thai Police
5. U.S. International Law Enforcement Attaché Programme – Bryan Landry, USFWS (recorded
presentation)
Q&A and discussion (15 min)
International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC)
5
What to expect: presentations on key developments and initiatives and their role and function, followed by
discussion on opportunities to interact with WENs, and how WENs could engage as well as a discussion to
identify possible synergies and opportunities for collaboration where possible.
10.00
Coffee break
10.30
Session 7 – Enhancing cross-regional collaboration among WENs. Moderated by: Monica Zavagli, World
Bank
Working Groups (45 min) to further explore how to enhance collaboration and communication with other
networks/regions.
Reports from working groups and discussion (5 min per group, 20-25 min total with 15 mins for further
discussion).
What to expect: Participants to form 3 or 4 groups (TBC) with each representation from all regions (and
networks where possible) to discuss how to enhance collaboration and communication across networks and
regions, taking into account discussions during sessions 1-6.
Note: each working group should nominate a moderator and a rapporteur.
12.00
Lunch break - CoP19 side events
14.00
Session 8 – Identification of key wildlife crime trends and associated matters and engagement in
operational activities at global/regional level. Moderated by: David Migwi, INTERPOL
Remarks from Monica Medina, Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific
Affairs, U.S. Department of State (5mins)
Presentations (30 min total):
1. Illegal wildlife trade trends identified in the World Wildlife Crime report – Angela Me, UNODC
2. Species affected by wildlife crime under discussion at CoP19 - Clio Di Giovanni, CITES
Secretariat
3. CITES illegal trade reports and enhancing data availability - Clio Di Giovanni, CITES Secretariat
and Angela Me, UNODC
Working groups/discussion (1h):
1) Networks: Africa; Asia; Central, South America and Caribbean; Europe and North America
2) Observers
What to expect: Working groups to discuss key wildlife crime matters affecting their respective regions,
including identifying 3 species most affected by wildlife crime in their regions, gaps in regional responses to
wildlife crime to be addressed, and activities that could be proposed for consideration.
Note: each working group should nominate a moderator and a rapporteur.
15.30
Coffee break
16.00
Session 8 (continued) – Identification of key wildlife crime trends and associated matters and
engagement in operational activities at global/regional level. Moderated by - David Migwi, INTERPOL
Feedback from working groups to plenary and identification of key matters that could be considered networks
or by ICCWC in the implementation of its work programme (5 min per group, 20 min total with 10 mins for
further discussion).
What to expect: report to plenary by working groups and identification of priority activities.
16.30
Session 9 – Outcomes of the meeting and next steps. Moderated by Edward van Asch, CITES Secretariat
Summary of discussions, identification of next steps and agreement on outcomes of the meeting, in particular
focusing on:
International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC)
6
- Opportunities to enhance collaboration and communication within and between WENs (sessions 1, 2,
3 and 4, summary by Monica Zavagli, World Bank)
- Opportunities for engagement with existing efforts/initiatives, operational activities and increasing the
use of existing tools/services (sessions 5, 6, 7, summary by Edward van Asch, CITES Secretariat)
- Key regional wildlife crime trends identified and activities that could be proposed for consideration by
networks or by ICCWC (session 8, David Migwi, INTERPOL).
What to expect: moderators of different sessions to provide summary and discussion in plenary to agree on
outcomes of the meeting and identify next steps.
17.00
Concluding remarks and closing
- Ivonne Higuero, CITES Secretary General on behalf of ICCWC
- Rowena Watson, Division Chief, Combating Wildlife Trafficking, U.S. Department of State, OES/ECW
CoP19 side events
Wildlife Enforcement
Networks
Information Sheets
Annex 2
ASEAN Working Group on
CITES and Wildlife Enforcement
(AWG-CITES AND WE)
Region and countries of the network
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,
Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam and
the ASEAN Secretariat
Key partners in the region
CITES, UNODC, TRAFFIC South East Asia, SEAFDEC, Interpol, USAID,
ACB.
(Reporting) structure / decision-making process
The CITES Management Authority host the secretariat of the NICECG. Each
year there is at least one conference of the NICECG, which makes decisions
and then the member ministries/authorities will carry out the enforcement
work. The members report to the NICECG Conference.
Authorities involved
CITES authorities, customs, police, prosecutors, and other
relevant national law enforcement agencies.
Key activities
In principle, AWG CITES and WE are mandated to establish and
implement measures to improve collaboration, cooperation and
information exchange between and among law enforcement agencies
and CITES management authorities.
Website and other useful links
Not supplied
Network focal points
Primary focal point: NATIVIDAD BERNARDINO; email:
[email protected]
Secondary focal point: NERMAHE HTA; email: nerma_lita@yahoo.com
Other (cc): ESTEVEN TOLEDO; email: [email protected]
Brief description
ASEAN, as a region with Mega-Biodiversity, has made the issue of wildlife
enforcement to combat wildlife trafficking an important agenda item. Wildlife
enforcement dialogue in ASEAN started in 2006 when the ASEAN Wildlife
Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN) was formally established as part of the
ASEAN Cooperation in Forestry under the ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry
(ASOF). Since 2017, to enhance the effectiveness of regional cooperation,
wildlife issues have been addressed by the ASEAN Working Group on CITES
and Wildlife Enforcement (AWG CITES and WE).
Formal
Network
CaribWEN
Formal
network
Caribbean region
Antigua, Bahamas,St Lucia, Cayman Island,
Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Haiti, Barbados,
Belize, Trinidad & Tobago. To include
Grenada, Dominica, Monsteratt, St. Vincent
and the Grenadines, Guyana, Suriname,
Turks & Caicos
Authorities involved, Agriculture Department
(Forestry & Fisheries), Customs, Police, Military,
Airport and Seaport Authority
Key activities: To conduct effort to harmonize legislation in respective
countries, support local law enforcement personnel in their tasks by
providing technical information, and maintaining a data base of
seizures and trends in the region. Will reissue a draft MOU to formalize
country’s roles and responsibilities and contribute to a more efficient
and strategic platform for information sharing between countries.
2022-2023 Proposals include:
Building and maintaining a Website with useful links
CaribWEN email group (existing)
CaribWEN whatsapp group (existing)
CaribWEN webinar/zoom meetings
Possibly one regional in person meeting to formalize MOU
Network focal points
Haiti – MrJean Herby NELSON Speaker/Presenter
Jamaica – Mrs Morjorn Wallock
Bahamas – MrsDesiree Corneille, Lt. Cdr. , Bahamas WEN
Speaker/Presenter
Focal points will be up to two representatives in each member state.
Information will be published for ease of referencing.
O OF WEN
Key partners in the region
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Fish and Wildlife Foundation
WildAid
OCEANA
Brief description
Regional organization focused on combating wildlife crimes and to
combat illicit trade. It is constituted of contact points in all consenting
countries represented into structure, depending on the size of
countries activity 2 or 3 contact points may be registered.
(Reporting) structure / decision-making process
CaribWEN’s Secretariat conduct all operating process and
correspondences. MOU will determine chairmanship, serving times,
and rotating schedules, as well as other roles. Decisions are made in
plenary meeting. One country, one vote. Quorum will be at least 60%.
China
’
s National Interagency CITES
Enforcement Coordina-tion Group (NICECG)
Formal
network
Authorities involved
Departments and Bureaus from Ministry of Public
Security,General Administration of China Customs, Market
Supervision, Maritime Police, Ministry of Culture and
Tourism , Ministry of Transportation,etc.
Key activities
Joint enforcement operations at national level and local level. Training
courses, workshops, wildlife/CITES public awareness raising campaigns.
Website and other useful links
Not available.
Network focal points
Ji Jing --programme officer
China CITES Management Authority (Wildlife Conservation Department of
National Forestry and Grassland Administration)
Telephone： +86 (10) 8423 8445
Fax： +86 (10) 8423 9680
Email： [email protected]
Key partners in the region
Inter-ministry Conference Mechanism for Anti-Illegal Wildlife Trade, WWF,
TRAFFIC, IFAW, WCS, WILD AID, NRDC.
Brief description
China’s National Interagency CITES Enforcement Coordination Group
(NICECG), was established in December 2011, now including 12Depart-
ments member from 9 Ministries or Administrations. By December 2013,
provincial CITES enforcement coordination groups had been set up in all the
31 provinces of China.
(Reporting) structure / decision-making process
The CITES Management Authority hosts the secretariat of the NICECG.
Each year there is at least one conference of the NICECG, which makes
decisions and then the member ministries/authorities will carry out the
enforcement work. The members report to the NICECG Conference.
Region and countries of the network
China
COMIFAC WORKING GROUP
ON PROTECTED AREAS AND
WILDLIFE (SGTAPFS)
Formal
network
Region and countries of the network
Central Africa with eleven (11) countries:
Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa
Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of
Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda and
Sao Tomé and Principe
Authorities involved
Forests and Wildlife administrations, Customs, INTERPOL,
Police, Defense, Justice, Indigenous People and Local
communities network, Civil Society Organization, international
organizations (WWF, TRAFFIC, GIZ, WCS, AWF)
Key activities
Capacity building of the law enforcement agencies, development of tools for
the sustainable wildlife and Protected areas management, coordination of the
fight against the wildlife crime, Public awareness on wildlife crime, finance
resource mobilization for the biodiversity conservation, AFRICA-TWIX
Website and other useful links
www.comifac.org
Network focal points
Primary Focal Point: Chouaibou Nchoutpouen, Deputy Executive Secretary
and Technical Coordinator of the COMIFAC (cnchoutpouen@comifac.org)
Secondary Focal Point: Tbc
Key partners in the region
IGOs (OCFSA, ECCAS), NGOs (TRAFFIC, WWF, GIZ, JICA, IUCN,
USFS, etc
Brief description
COMIFAC Working Group on Protected Areas and Wildlife (SGTAPFS) was
established in 2012 by the Council of Ministers of COMIFAC in order to coordinate
the fight against the wildlife crime in the region and to build the capacity of the
stakeholders on the law enforcement. This multi-actor platform brings together
law enforcement agencies and wildlife and protected area administrations for the
eleven countries members of COMIFAC, representatives of indigenous peoples
and local communities, international organizations in charge of biodiversity
conservation, and organizations working in the field of wildlife. This platform
meets at least twice per year and help to follow up the implementation of the Sub-
Regional Action Plan for the Wildlife law enforcement that has been adopted by
the Council of Ministers of COMIFAC
(Reporting) structure / decision-making process
The coordination Unit has three members (the coordinator of the Central
Africa Biodiversity Working Group, the Biodiversity Programme Officer of the
COMIFAC and the Technical Director of OCFSA). The network report to the
Executive Secretariat of the COMIFAC which report to the Council of
Ministers of COMIFAC
Horn of Africa Wildlife
Enforcement Network (HAWEN)
Formal
network
Region and countries of the network
Horn of Africa/IGAD region: Djibouti,
Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan,
Sudan and Uganda.
Authorities involved
Wildlife Conservation Authorities (looking at
expending to other institutions)
Key activities
- Mobilisation of resources (human and financial) to sustain
operationalization of the Secretariat
- Development of a Framework for harmonizing TFCA management
(ongoing with CMS Secretariat)
- Organisation of annual Executive Committee meetings for reviewing
implementation of HAWEN Action Plan
-
-
Website and other useful links
https://www.hawen.org/
Network focal points
Dr. Eshete Dejen [email protected]
Marie-Sophie Delassade [email protected]
Key partners in the region
UNODC, Cheetah Conservation Fund, IFAW, TRAFFIC, US FWS
Brief description
HAWEN was created in 2017 by IGAD Member States with the objective of
creating a regional network to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation to
prevent and combat wildlife trafficking in the Horn of Africa. HAWEN is the
implementing body of the IGAD’s Wildlife Strategy.
(Reporting) structure / decision-making process
HAWEN Secretariat is sitting under the Sustainable Environment Unit (itself
under the Agriculture and Environment Division) of IGAD HQ, Djibouti and is
reporting to the Program Manager of the Sustainable Environment Unit.
HAWEN has established an Executive Committee composed only (for now)
by wildlife conservation authorities appointed focal points. The HAWEN
Secretariat is coordinating the activities with the Executive Committee.
Lusaka Agreement Task Force
Formal
network
Region and countries of the network
Member States: Congo Brazzaville, Kenya,
Lesotho, Liberia, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia
Signatories: Ethiopia, South Africa, and
Swaziland.
Open for accession to all African countries
Authorities involved
Wildlife Authorities, Forestry Authorities, Customs, CITES MA,
Police and Public prosecutions authorities
Key activities
To deliver specific support to Member States to prevent, investigate, prosecute and
adjudicate crimes involving species of wild fauna and flora.:
Gather, analyze, and disseminate intelligence about wildlife security to member states
and partners.
Investigating into violations of national laws;
Promoting trans-national and multi-regional wildlife law enforcement mechanisms as
well as international cooperation among enforcement agencies ;
Implement capacity development initiatives in member states such as provision of
specialized enforcement training and equipment, promoting inter agency collaboration
through inter agency workshops, holding of cross border wildlife security meetings
Website and other useful links
https://lusakaagreement.org
Network focal points
Edward Phiri
Director
Email: [email protected]
Arnaud Zonleleth
Field Officer
Email: [email protected]
Key partners in the region
LATF has signed memoranda of understanding with CITES Secretariat, WCO, ICPO
INTERPOL Secretariat, UNODC, Regional Centre for Small Arms (RECSA),
COMIFAC secretariat, OCFSA, The Anti-smuggling Bureau of the General
Administration China Customs ASB_GACC
Brief description
LATF is an intergovernmental law enforcement Agency established in 1999
headquartered in Nairobi Kenya. It is the Secretariat and operational arm of the Lusaka
Agreement on Cooperative Enforcement Operations Directed at Illegal Trade in Wild
Fauna and Flora, also known as the Lusaka Final Act 1994. The Agreement which is
listed as a United Nations Environmental Treaty no XXVII.11, Registration no 33409,
was adopted in Lusaka, Zambia in 1994 and is open for accession to all African states.
LATF is mandated to combat transnational illegal trade in wild fauna and flora mainly
through fostering inter-state cooperation and collaboration among agencies.
(Reporting) structure / decision-making process
Lusaka Agreement Task Force: Secretariat and Operational arm of the Lusaka
Agreement on Cooperative Enforcement activities directed at illegal trade in wild fauna
and flora. Implements activities of the Agreement in collaboration with National Bureau
National Bureau: National Implementing Agency of the Agreement
Governing Council: Ministerial policy and decision-making organ of the Lusaka
Agreement
Red de Observancia y
Aplicación de la Normativa de
Vida Silvestre de Centroamérica
y República Dominicana.
ROAVIS
Central American and
Dominican Republic Wildlife
Enforcement Network (CAWEN)
Formal
network
Region and countries of the network
Centroamérica y República Dominicana.
Central American and Dominican Repúblic.
Authorities involved
Fiscales Ambientales, Procuradores, Ministerio Publico,
Ministerio de Ambiente, Autoridad CITES y de Protección
Sanitaria, Fuerzas de Seguridad Fronteriza, Policía de
investigación, Aduanas, Jueces, oficiales de Pesquería.
Key activities
- Planificación y comunicación entre los gobiernos e intercambio de
información sobre el tráfico de Vida Silvestre.
- Planificación y ejecución de operaciones nacionales, binacionales y tri-
nacionales.
- Entrenamiento e intercambio de experiencias entre diversas autoridades
para el control del comercio de especies.
- Capacitación a Jueces, Fiscales, Procuradores, policías, Aduanas.
- Education y Divulgación sobre la importancia y beneficios de la protección
de la vida Silvestre.
Website and other useful links
www.facebook.com/Roavis
www.roavis.net
app móvil vida Silvestre www.vidasilvestre.net
[email protected]t
Network focal points
Punto focal Primario y secretaria ROAVIS. Fátima Sánchez Marciaga.
Correo Fatima.Sanchez@procuraduria.gob.pa
Ministerio Público de Panamá. Fiscal Superior de Ambiente de la
Procuraduría General de la Nación.
Otros (cc) Christina Kish. Correo: [email protected]
Fátima Vanegas Z. Corre: fatima.vanegas@cooperacion-doi.org
Key partners in the region
Departamento del Interior de los Estados Unidos (Programa de Asistencia
Técnica Internacional).
Colaboradores: Departamento de Justicia de Estados Unidos.
Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre. EEUU
OEA. Organización de Los Estados Americanos.
Convención sobre Comercio Internacional de Especies Amenazadas de Flora
y Fauna Silvestre (CITES)
Consorcio Internacional para combatir los Delitos Contra La Vida Silvestre
Brief description
ROAVIS, es una Red de Observancia y de Aplicación de la Normativa de la
Vida Silvestre de Centroamérica y República Dominicana, reconocida como
un foro regional para la cooperación, intercambio de las experiencias y el
fortalecimiento de las instituciones que aplican la Ley.
(Reporting) structure / decision-making process
La Red es coordinada regionalmente por un (a) Secretario (a), nombrado cada dos
años por los puntos focales de cada país. Tiene como responsabilidad coordinar y
articular las actividades de la Red y definir la planificación y la búsqueda de fondos
para la implementación de las actividades. Así como representarla en foros y reuniones
internacionales. Los Puntos Focales son los titulares de las fiscalías o procuradurías
ambientales de los países miembros, su rol es coordinar la dirección funcional entre
las autoridades nacionales de aplicación de la ley y organizarlas actividades para
combatir el tráfico de especies.
South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network
(SAWEN)
Formal
network
• South Asia region
• SAWEN Member Countries are:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri
Lanka.
Authorities involved: Law enforcement authorities
including Forest and Wildlife agencies, Police, Army,
Other Security Agencies, and Customs.
Key activities
Aligning with the objectives, SAWEN organizes, supports and coordinates to
carry out the capacity building activities, regional meeting of law enforcement
officials, documentation, cooperation and collaboration with similar agencies.
We recently organized General Meeting of SAWEN from 02 to 03 November
2022 in Maldives. SAWEN is organizing capacity building activities including
wildlife crime prosecution and investigation training in Nepal in September
2022 under HN/SAWEN/ZSL project; Standard Enforcement Training
(regional) in May 2022 with support of INTERPOL/USAID; regional OSINT
trainings and more.
Website and other useful links
https://www.sawen.org/
Network focal points
Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, Chief Enforcement Coordinator of SAWEN
maheshwar.dh[email protected]
Mr. Pradeep Bhattarai, Senior Environment Officer, SAWEN
[email protected]
info@sawen.org
Network focal points
Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, Chief Enforcement Coordinator of SAWEN
maheshwar.dh[email protected]
Mr. Pradeep Bhattarai, Senior Environment Officer, SAWEN
[email protected]
info@sawen.org
Key partners in the region
INTERPOL, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
(ICIMOD), UNODC, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) Nepal,
TRAFFIC, WWF Nepal, the World Bank, Zoological Society of London,
Brief description: South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) is
an intergovernmental wildlife law enforcement support body launched in 2011
with aim to combat wildlife crime in South Asia through regional cooperation
and collaboration having eight member countries namely - Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It
focuses on policy harmonization; institutional capacity strengthening through
knowledge and intelligence sharing; and collaboration with regional and
international partners to enhance wildlife law enforcement in the member
countries. SAWEN operates its activities from the Secretariat based in
Kathmandu, Nepal.
EU Wildlife Trade Enforcement
Group
Formal
network
Region and countries of the network
Europe; European Union and its 27 Member
States in alphabetical order: Austria, Belgium,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden. In addition, other European countries
are regularly invited to attend the meetings as
observers.
Authorities involved
CITES Management and Enforcement Authorities, Customs,
Police, Environmental Inspectorates, Nature Conservation
Agencies, Wildlife inspectorates, Europol, Eurojust, Interpol,
World Customs Organization and the CITES Secretariat are
invited regularly.
Key activities
Its task is to monitor enforcement policy and practice in the EU Member States
and make recommendations to improve the enforcement of wildlife trade
legislation. It also catalyses the exchange of information, experience, and
expertise on wildlife trade control related topics between the Member States
(trends in illegal trade, significant seizures and investigations), including
sharing of intelligence information and establishing and maintaining data-
bases. Reports of the findings of investigations/operations carried out by the
member States are shared during the meetings, being accessible to all CITES
Authorities of the Member States, the Commission, and other partners through
restricted access.
In addition, subgroups have been established to handle identified important
topics such as illegal trade in birds, reptiles, ivory, timber, or eels but also
questions related to forensic and marking. Dedicated sessions can address
issues like engagement with relevant business or transport sectors,
cooperation with specifically important third countries.
Website and other useful links
Information is exchanged on a specific access restricted portal managed by
the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/cites/eg_en.htm:
In addition, EU TWIX (http://www.eu-twix.org/) which is a tool to facilitate
information exchange on illegal wildlife trade in the European Union can be
used to distribute information quickly between registered users. The EU-TWIX
website and database are only accessible for officials of law enforcement
authorities (e.g., customs, police and other governmental agencies such as
environmental inspection services, national crime units, etc. involved in wildlife
trade controls) and CITES Management Authorities of the 27 EU Members
States.
Network focal points
Jamie Bouhuys, Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety
Authority
Email: [email protected]
Elke Malfait, Belgian CITES Management Authorities
Email: [email protected]gov.be
Heidi Führmann, European Commission
Email: [email protected]
Brief description
The Enforcement Group is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the
provisions laid down in the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations and meets generally
twice a year.
The enforcement group examines any technical questions relating to the
enforcement of these regulations. The Group also plays an important role in
the implementation of EU Action Plans against Wildlife Trafficking and acts as
a forum to share knowledge and good practices.
(Reporting) structure / decision-making process
The results of the discussions from the meetings of the Enforcement group are
reported to the EU CITES Management Committee that supports the EU
Commission in the implementation of the EU Wildlife Trade regulations.
Key partners in the region
TRAFFIC Europe, relevant agencies and organizations such as Europol,
Eurojust, Interpol, WCO, UNODC, neighboring countries like Switzerland,
Norway, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
SudWEN
Formal
network
Authorities involved
Policia (federal, estatal y local); Fiscalía, Autoridades
Nacionales CITES y Aduanas
Key activities
Una primera reunión regional de SudWEN celebrada en noviembre y
diciembre de 2021 reunió a 60 representantes de 11 países sudamericanos.
La reunión sirvió para intercambiar experiencias e identificar necesidades
para promover el intercambio de perspectivas sobre la estructura necesaria
para consolidar SudWEN. Los términos de referencia redactados durante la
reunión de SudWEN están siendo revisados por los gobiernos participantes,
con el fin de ser adoptados y firmados en 2022.
Brief description
La Red Sudamericana de Observancia y Aplicación de la Normativa sobre la
Vida Silvestre (SudWEN) se estableció en septiembre de 2014 a través de la
Declaración de Sao Paulo, con el objetivo de aumentar los esfuerzos de
lucha contra el comercio ilegal de vida silvestre en América del Sur.
SudWEN se inspira en las experiencias de WENs en otras regiones del
mundo, con la intención de fomentar la colaboración regional en materia
de delitos contra la vida silvestre. A pesar de la cooperación transfronteriza
existente para combatir el tráfico ilícito de especies silvestres, SudWEN no
entró en funcionamiento formalmente tras su creación.
Desde 2020, la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas contra la Droga y el Delito
(UNODC), en nombre del ICCWC, está apoyando la revitalización de
SudWEN, trabajando estrechamente con los puntos focales designados de
los países para consolidar una red eficaz de organismos encargados de la
aplicación de la ley en materia de fauna y flora silvestres que busca
fortalecer, promover y coordinar la cooperación regional para combatir el
tráfico ilegal de especies silvestres que amenaza la flora y la fauna silvestres
de la región sudamericana.
El borrador de los términos de referencia (TdR) de la Red fue redactado en
la reunión regional (Dic. 2021) y esta en proceso de revisión con miras a ser
consensuado a finales de 2022.
Perú expreso su interés en Presidir SudWEN y ninguna objeción fue
planteada por el resto de los miembros de la red. Se están realizando las
coordinaciones para formalizar la estructura de la red y la Coordinación
General. Perú liderará las sesiones de trabajo para la finalización de los TdR
y ocupará la Presidencia a partir del momento que los TdR sean adoptados.
(Reporting) structure / decision-making process
El borrador de los los TdR incluye una estructura liderada por una
Presidencia que trabajará conjuntamente con la Coordinacion General.
La Coordinacion General desempeñará sus responsabilidades en
constante comunicación con los Puntos Focales designados de los países
miembros de la red.
Region and countries of the network
Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador,
Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia, Guyana,
Paraguay, Perú, Surinam y Uruguay.
Key partners in the region
Consorcio Internacional para Combatir los Delitos contra la Vida Silvestre
(ICCWC) - Secretaría de la Convención sobre el Comercio Internacional de
Especies Amenazadas de Fauna y Flora Silvestres (CITES), Oficina de las
Naciones Unidas contra la Droga y el Delito (UNODC), INTERPOL, el Banco
Mundial y la Organización Mundial de Aduanas (OMA).
Network focal points
Presidencia: Embajador Paul Duclós, Director-General para Asuntos
Multilaterales, Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Perú
Coordinador General: Información por confirmar.
Website and other useful links
SudWEN no tiene una página web
International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime