Countries vote to start drafting the first global rules against environmental crime, from wildlife trafficking to waste smuggling
The LA Times explains what the new protocol could do and how the vote went.
What happened: Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime approved a resolution on Oct. 23 to begin drafting the first international protocol on environmental crime, covering wildlife trafficking, illegal deforestation and illicit waste smuggling. The proposal, from 12 countries in Latin America and Africa led by Brazil, passed 83 to 12 with 27 abstentions. Drafting is expected to take two years.
Why it matters: Environmental crime is valued at up to $281 billion a year and is often run by international syndicates, the LA Times reports. Countries define and punish these offences differently, which makes cross-border cases hard to prosecute.
How much agreement is there? Some disagreement. Conservation groups such as the Wildlife Conservation Society and Born Free call it a landmark, but 12 countries voted no and 27 abstained, and the protocol still has to be negotiated.
Could someone help? Wildlife groups will be following the negotiations, and anyone can avoid buying exotic pets or wildlife products of unknown origin.
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Environmental crime
After exploring Countries take first step toward global crackdown on environmental crime - Los Angeles Times, the crimes this protocol targets are surveyed in Environmental crime.
Environmental crime covers illegal acts that directly harm the environment, such as wildlife crime, illegal mining and pollution crimes.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
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United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime
After exploring Countries take first step toward global crackdown on environmental crime - Los Angeles Times, the treaty it builds on is United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime.
A 2000 UN-sponsored treaty against transnational organized crime, the framework the new protocol would sit under.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
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