EU law to crackdown on wildlife trafficking
The new Directive replaces legislation in place since 2008.
A revised version of the Environmental Crime Directive (ECD) is set to make wildlife trafficking a higher-risk activity for criminals.
The law, which is expected to be endorsed by the European Council, will strengthen the tools available to European Union (EU) member states for addressing the trafficking of live wild animals and animal parts.
The new Directive will replace legislation in place since 2008, and expands the list of acts that member states are obliged to consider crimes in their national legislation, as well as increasing the sanctions and penalties that can be used.
It will also put in place measures which could improve the effectiveness of national efforts to confront environmental crime. This may include training for authorities, and enhanced cross-border cooperation.
Animal welfare charity Born Free has welcomed the news, stating that the EU is considered a major destination and transit hub for trafficked wildlife. Environmental crimes have also seen an annual rate growth of five per cent to seven per cent globally.
It says that hundreds of thousands of live animals are illegally imported to fuel the exotic pet market, and animal parts for purposes such as traditional medicine and fashion.
The charity believes that the adoption of this directive by 27 member states is a milestone for wildlife, sending a message to criminals that environmental crimes will be treated seriously by the EU going forward. It also says that governments are acknowledging the need for increased measures and international cooperation and coordination to tackle such crimes.
Born Free has said that it will continue working with other non-governmental organisations to include wildlife crime in legislation, and impose deterring sanctions on criminals.
Elodie Cantaloube, EU policy officer for Born Free, said: “While not perfect, this new legislation should prove to be a stronger deterrent for criminals by increasing the risks they take when committing environmental offences.
“If implemented consistently, it will help ensure uniformity of the rules across member states, removing the opportunities for criminals to take advantage of EU countries with weaker rules, which is crucial given the cross-border nature of most serious environmental crimes, including wildlife trafficking.”
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