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 Wildflife Global Summit 2024 in Cape Town on Monday, the Minister said the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) plays an indispensable role in shaping South Africa's future within the borders and in the increasingly complex global geopolitical landscape.
“However, despite local and international efforts to address environmental crime at the highest levels of government, it is essential that we now refocus our efforts towards action.
“Representatives from the police, customs, prosecuting authorities, financial intelligence units, and environmental and wildlife investigative agencies all hold crucial roles, and your collaboration is essential.
“We all recognise this global scourge that can only be overcome through a focused and integrated international effort,” the Minister said.
South Africa’s wildlife, plant life and marine life is a target for illicit activities.
“Our lions, rhinoceros, pangolin, succulent plants, abalone, and our fish stock, to name only a few, are significantly at risk and we must respond.
“These crimes... have a devastating impact on our country’s moral fabric (where the poaching culture consumes communities) on our existing and potential eco-tourism industry, and on our good standing in the international community as custodians of irreplaceable natural heritage,” George said.
He emphasised that South Africa remains resolutely focused on implementing the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking.
This strategy aims to establish a well-resourced, integrated, multidisciplinary law enforcement approach to dismantle the illicit value chain of wildlife trafficking within our country and beyond.
“We recognise that achieving this objective requires the unwavering commitment of our entire government to enhance law enforcement capabilities and to mobilise societal support.
“As part of implementing the strategy, South Africa actively participated in both informal and formal negotiations leading up to the recent United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, Conference of Parties.
“We supported the resolution sponsored by Brazil, France, and Peru, which aims to enhance measures to prevent and combat crimes affecting the environment. This important document recognises that environmental crimes has evolved into a major form of transnational organised crime,” the Minister said.
South Africa remains committed to implementing the key proposals outlined in the resolution.
“We must confront the stark reality that these crimes are not isolated to a series of arbitrary incidents, and that they have developed into highly sophisticated, greed-driven enterprises orchestrated by international criminal syndicates.
“They exploit our natural heritage for financial gain and cause immeasurable harm to the environment while undermining our conservation efforts. These environmental crimes threaten to ravage the world's natural resources, impose immense financial burdens, and lead to the widespread loss of economic and development opportunities.
“While we are keenly aware of the threat this poses to security and the rule of law, we must also remain cognisant of the complex issues of poverty and the lack of alternative livelihoods that contribute to the rise of such illicit activities,” the Minister said.
South Africa has also actively participated in WIRE meetings since 2016, which have been instrumental in overcoming obstacles related to information sharing and cooperation in investigations.
“This has provided an invaluable platform that enables the international community to strategies, overcome obstacles, ensure meaningful cooperation, and respond swiftly when necessary, despite the bureaucratic processes inherent in any government.
“Collaborating with international counterparts is crucial for tackling wildlife crime, especially since the illicit market is primarily in Southeast Asia. It is essential that we reinforce our working relationship with law enforcement agencies in these countries,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
