New resources launched to support the fight against nature crime

A set of new resources aimed at supporting efforts to tackle nature crime has been launched.

The resources, created by the Nature Crime Alliance Secretariat, aim to meet the needs of law enforcement and civil society organisations working on crimes such as wildlife trafficking, land grabbing, and illegal forms of mining, logging, and fishing.

Developed through consultations and support from members of the Alliance, the resources include:

Wildlife Expert Directory

This resource, part of which is designed specifically for law enforcement professionals, provides access to experts on specific species and ecosystems to support wildlife crime investigations. Law enforcement operatives often face challenges in investigating wildlife trafficking due to lack of information on the fauna and flora involved. This curated resource addresses this challenge. The Directory also has a separate tier of access for non-law enforcement stakeholders.

Additional insights from the Wildlife Crime Working Group convened by INTERPOL, alongside the Wildlife Investigators Training Alliance (WITA) and IFAW – all members of the Nature Crime Alliance – also informed the development of the Wildlife Expert Database.

Access to the directory is approved by the Alliance Secretariat and can be requested here.

Index of Tools

Innovative tools and technologies are playing a key role in fighting nature crime, from providing intelligence to supporting frontline defenders, including Indigenous Peoples and local communities. This resource offers a well-organised catalogue of the latest digital technologies, tools and datasets existing in the field. It currently lists and provides links to more than 80 monitoring and tracking tools, indices, dashboards and platforms.

Alongside serving as an information source about available solutions, it is hoped that the index will also highlight existing technological gaps and increase collaboration in the development of new tools. Access the Index of Tools here.

Knowledge Database

Given the evolving nature of environmental crimes, there is an ongoing need for actors working in this field to have access to latest information and analysis on these crimes. The knowledge database brings relevant research, reports and insights together in one place, providing a wealth of information on nature crime at the click of a button. It will be of particular use to those working in the policy, investigations, and research spaces. Browse the Knowledge Database here.

Meeting members’ needs

Tsveti Bandakova, Programme Manager for the Nature Crime Alliance, commented: “These resources have been developed in direct response to practitioners’ needs, which have been shared with us through the Nature Crime Alliance network.

“From customs officials seeking information about live animals that have been seized, to community initiatives looking to bolster their capacity through monitoring technologies, these resources connect those on the frontlines with the tools and expertise that can support them. We are grateful to the members who supported us in developing these resources.”

One such member is the Wildlife Investigators Training Alliance, who supported the development of the Wildlife Expert Database.

Shawn Karns, Director of Investigations and Trainings and a Founding Director of WITA, said: “These resources will provide both government and civil society partners with the opportunity to engage and connect with vetted investigative practitioners and organisations with proven, real-life experience in combatting transnational crimes that impact the world’s natural resources. 

“The Wildlife Investigators Training Alliance is honored to collaborate with the Nature Crime Alliance in developing the wildlife expert database, which also draws on the expertise of the Interpol Wildlife Crime Working Group.”

The resources are now live and can be found at naturecrimealliance.org/resources