Strategies for fighting corruption in wildlife conservation

Posted on November, 30 2015

Primer produced by the WWF and TRAFFIC Wildlife Crime Initiative
We are in the midst of a global poaching crisis fuelled by an unprecedented surge in illegal wildlife trade. Only a concerted and comprehensive response will succeed in tackling soaring wildlife crime. And this must include addressing corruption, which experts agree is one of the most critical factors in arresting the illegal wildlife trade.

This primer on Strategies for Fighting Corruption in Wildlife Conservation has been produced by the WWF and TRAFFIC Wildlife Crime Initiative to provide a practical framework for understanding corruption and why it is a problem for wildlife conservation, and to initiate processes that can reduce wildlife-related corruption.

The primer suggests first steps in fighting corruption that can be implemented in the multiple sectors involved in wildlife conservation, including wildlife protection and management agencies, customs and border services, police, prosecutory services, the judiciary, offices responsible for the setting of legislation and policy, civil society organizations and the media.

It is intended as a primer for TRAFFIC staff, but may also be useful to individuals working in the above sectors who encounter corruption as a problem.

Parts 1 and 2 of this primer introduce the reader to the problem of corruption and its relation to wildlife conservation and illegal trade in wild animals and plants, including timber and fisheries, while parts 3 and 4 are designed to help its users identify strategies for combating corruption.

Part 1 explains what corruption is, how it affects wildlife conservation, and why it is important to reduce corruption in the areas of wildlife protection and wildlife law enforcement.

Part 2 provides descriptions and examples of common forms of corruption in the areas of wildlife protection and law enforcement. This section raises awareness of the various types of wildlife-related corruption and the kinds of situations in which they may occur.

Part 3 gives an overview of strategies that can be used to prevent and reduce corruption affecting wildlife conservation efforts.
 
And part 4 directs readers to more resources that can help in the fight against wildlife-related corruption.
WCI primer on fighting corruption in wildlife conservation
© WWF TRAFFIC Wildlife Crime Initiative

Related links