File
Corrupting trade: An overview of corruption issues in illicit wildlife trade
Corruption is a key facilitator of illegal wildlife trade. In addition to measures called for in international and regional resolutions and treaties, efforts to address corruption should focus on areas such as streamlining and auditing permitting processes and controls; engaging the transport sector; strengthening stockpile management systems; improving traceability systems; addressing vulnerabilities in special economic zones; and employing behavior change approaches.
Key Takeaways
- Corruption is one of the most important facilitators of illegal wildlife trade. Every stage in the illegal trade chain is affected, from poaching and illegal harvesting through transportation, processing and export, to sale and laundering of proceeds.
- Corruption threatens to undermine progress disrupting criminal networks whose activities deplete wildlife and weaken good governance, the rule of law and the well-being of local communities.
- In addition to measures called for in international and regional resolutions and treaties, efforts to address corruption should focus on areas such as streamlining and auditing permitting processes and controls; engaging the transport sector; strengthening stockpile management systems; improving traceability systems; addressing vulnerabilities in special economic zones; and employing behavior change approaches.
