Wildlife Justice Commission Dismantles Organized Crime with Ferocity
How one organization is taking down the criminal networks that profit from the trafficking of wildlife, timber and fish — and convincing governments to pay attention.
The Nigeria Customs Service recently told the international non-profit Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) that the project, “showed them a gold mine of information they just weren’t using before” that resulted in recovering 18 tons of illicitly trafficked wildlife products. The key to success? Cell phones. For this project, the WJC put an emphasis on intelligence analysis, which includes taking the cell phones of key offenders when they’re arrested to bring down entire networks instead of just one individual.
This creative approach is one of the many the WJC implements to put an end to wildlife trafficking. The organization has become a driving force in dismantling illicit operations and holding perpetrators accountable. Through strategic interventions and persuasive advocacy, the WJC not only tackles the immediate threats to biodiversity but also advocates for systemic change on a global scale. Instead of deploying short-term solutions, the organization has adopted a systemic approach to instigate enduring change. Their goal, as outlined by Executive Director Olivia Swaak-Goldman, is “building the capability and political will for governments to address wildlife crime as serious organized crime,” thereby “driving wildlife criminals out of the shadows and bringing an end to their multi-billion-dollar dirty business.”
The WJC’s strategy to achieve this goal includes showing governments why they should get involved in the fight against wildlife crime in the first place and a roadmap to success. As Swaak-Goldman aptly puts it, “once governments get involved, eventually they can solve these problems on their own.” This involves demonstrating small victories early on to prove that the fight is winnable, spurring politicians into action, as “success breeds success.”
Another key component in drawing attention to the issue at hand is the WJC’s approach underlining the intersectionality of wildlife crime, understanding that its implications extend far beyond conservation and environmental harm. This intersectionality is the same that permeates any deeply entrenched system.
Tackling wildlife crime is crucial for Crime, Security, and Stability. Swaak-Goldman asserts that the focus shouldn’t only be on the poachers but also, and predominantly, on the kingpins controlling the operations. These individuals frequently engage in other types of serious organized crime, driven by their pursuit of lucrative endeavors. She notes, “Many of those who are linked to wildlife crime are linked to human and drug trafficking as well.”
Biodiversity is directly at stake. According to Swaak-Goldman, “vulnerable species are being trafficked to the point of extinction, and our oceans are just being plundered.” For example, every 15 minutes an elephant is killed for its ivory.
Effects on Climate Change are significant. The destruction of forests and marine ecosystems contributes to climate change, exacerbating an already dire global situation. Illegal fishing and fisheries crime especially pose a serious threat to ocean health, while illegal logging destroys habitats and poses other threats to the ecosystem.
Public Health is deeply intertwined with wildlife crime. With three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases being zoonotic, the increase in wildlife crime leads to species coming into contact that would not otherwise, increasing the potential for disease transmission from animals to people. One example of the dire consequences these zoonotic diseases can have is, of course, SARS-CoV-2, otherwise known as COVID.
Wildlife crime poses substantial threats to Economic Stability. A 2019 study by the World Bank found that wildlife crime could cost economies between $1 to $2 trillion in lost taxes and revenue. The study also estimates that countries forego approximately “$7–12 billion each year in potential fiscal revenue that aren’t collected due to illegal logging, fishing, and in case instances, wildlife trade,” which significantly hinders economic growth in those areas.
While COVID-19 posed challenges to the WJC’s progress on each of these intersectional issues, it also highlighted why unrestricted funding is so important to keeping the organization nimble. “That allowed us to do things like keep up with payroll, paying the rent and the Wi-Fi,” says Swaak-Goldman. This victory underpins the vital need for flexible resources during crises.
In addition to drawing attention to the issues at hand, Swaak-Goldman highlights the importance of fostering trust and establishing equal partnerships with governments. The objective is to work alongside local governments to develop strategies, instead of dictating solutions. By centering local solutions, instead of coming in and imposing its own approach, the foundation can actually make a meaningful difference, and it is achieving this goal.
WJC’s systemic approach demonstrates the power of equal partnerships, trust, early successes, and comprehensive intelligence in the fight against wildlife crime. The WJC model is a shining example of the urgent and effective action needed to safeguard our biodiversity.
