National Security & Crime

About National Security and Crime

Illegal wildlife trade, and illegal destruction of forests and habitats, represents crime, a threat to national and regional security, and a threat to the rule of law in many countries.

Not only does the illegal trade of wildlife and illegal destruction of forests provide untaxed revenue for criminals, but they often foster a sense of pervasive corruption in developing countries, most of which rely on natural resources as a primary source of wealth for the benefit of their people.

For instance,

• Wildlife traffickers also smuggle drugs, guns, and human beings across borders - representing a "weak link" in national security efforts (1)
• Illegal logging syndicates amass private militias to protect territory and profit from timber smuggling
• Judges and police treat nature crime as a low priority - making it attractive for organized crime

While crimes against nature such as wildlife trafficking and illegal logging represent obvious threats to national and regional security, and crime prevention, the reverse also holds true: Fostering responsible management of natural resources can actively reduce crime and improve regional security. For instance, secure land title and responsible forestry management plans can reduce the chances of forest conflicts that pit rural villagers against outside logging consortiums and political interests. (2)

Working to institute the rule of law. and enforce existing laws and treaties protecting wildlife and forests, will make a measurable contribution to regional and national security, and the reduction of criminal activities across the board.

1 Congressional Research Service, ‘International Illegal Trade in Wildlife: Threats and U.S. Policy’ , February 2009

2 USAID, 'Forest Conflict in Asia: Seeking Peace and Saving Forests,' April 21, 2007, www.forestconflict.com (The information provided is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Devleopment or the U.S. Government. This website was funded under USAID Contract Number OUT-LAG-I-800-99-00013-00, Task Order 11, Biodiversity and Sustainable Forestry Indefinite Quantity Contract.)