International institutions step up efforts to combat wildlife and forest crimes

Dar es Salaam. Three international institutions are stepping up their efforts against the growing threats of transnational wildlife and forest crimes as they seek to dismantle an illicit trade that generates between $7 billion and $23 billion for criminals annually.

The Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF), Africa Transformational Initiative (ATI) and the University of Washington’s Centre for Environmental Forensic Science are taking decisive action by bringing together 28 law enforcement officers from Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi for comprehensive training in Dar es Salaam.

With the backing from the VRANOS Family Foundation and Ellington Management Group, the LATF, ATI, and the University of Washington’s Centre for Environmental Forensic Science are currently equipping the officers with the necessary expertise to effectively combat these crimes.

The workshop, titled “Strengthening Law Enforcement Capacity in Investigative Techniques and Port Security to Combat Transnational Organised Crime,” aims to provide officers with advanced skills to tackle illegal activities such as wildlife trafficking and illegal logging.

These illicit industries pose a serious threat to Africa’s biodiversity, endangering iconic species while destabilising local economies, ecosystems, and communities.

Gracing the event in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Dunstan Luka Kitandula, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation and regional cooperation. 

He highlighted the importance of reinforcing both domestic policies and international collaborations in tackling wildlife crime. 

“Our efforts are not only focused on strengthening domestic policies but also on building collaborative frameworks that extend across borders,” Mr Kitandula said.

He said the increasing sophistication of wildlife crimes calls for the urgent need to enhance law enforcement capabilities to respond effectively to the threats. The training will provide specialised skills in areas such as wildlife crime detection, trafficking interdiction, forest protection laws, and forensic techniques, including DNA analysis. It also seeks to foster international partnerships for improved intelligence sharing and operational coordination.

The Director of the LATF, Mr Edward Phiri said the initiative directly enhances the capabilities of law enforcement officers who are on the front lines in the battle against wildlife and forest crimes. “By equipping officers with advanced tools and knowledge, we are ensuring a more coordinated, dynamic, and effective response to these evolving challenges,” he said.

The training also involves cross-agency collaboration, including simulation exercises and coordination workshops aimed at improving joint operations across borders. The Lead Instructor and Chairman of the Board of Advisors for ATI, Mr Rod Khattabi, highlighted the lasting impact of the programme on both law enforcement and broader conservation efforts.

“By enhancing law enforcement skills and fostering robust cross-border collaboration, we are making a decisive step toward securing the sustainable management of Africa’s natural resources,” he said.

The training programme is part of a broader initiative to dismantle the intricate network of wildlife and forest crime syndicates that exploit weak governance structures across Africa.

At the local level, Tanzania has taken proactive measures to combat poaching and wildlife trafficking. The country has amended its Wildlife Conservation Act, imposing stricter penalties for illegal activities, including prison sentences of up to 30 years.

It has also adopted advanced technologies such as satellite monitoring and SMART patrols to enhance surveillance efforts. These initiatives have led to a significant increase in Tanzania’s elephant population, rising from 43,000 in 2014 to over 60,000 today.

Additionally, Tanzania has engaged local communities through the establishment of Community Wildlife Management Areas (CWMAs) and eco-tourism incentives, significantly reducing poaching. The country has also strengthened international cooperation with organisations such as the UNDP, CITES, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.