Illegal wildlife trafficking is a serious crime that threatens biodiversity and ecosystems worldwide, impacting Guatemala as well. This crime encompasses the illegal capture, sale, purchase, transport, import, export, processing, storage, and consumption of wild flora and fauna, as well as their products and derivatives, in violation of national and international laws. Driven largely by commercial purposes, this illicit trade generates enormous economic profits for organized crime networks, negatively impacting species, local communities, and public health due to its link to the spread of zoonotic diseases.
Strategic Approach to Combat Wildlife Trafficking
WCS-Guatemala's primary goal is to protect species in their natural habitats, preventing wildlife crimes before they occur. To this end, an integrated strategy is implemented, aiming to reduce the illegal trafficking of priority species to a level where their populations are no longer threatened by hunting or commercial capture.
WCS believes that people will stop participating in wildlife trafficking when the effort required to commit these crimes becomes too high, the risk of detection and punishment is significantly increased, and the economic rewards are insufficient. To achieve this, WCS interventions in Guatemala are designed to target specific points in the supply chain and the individuals with the greatest influence on this illicit activity. Through detailed investigations, WCS identifies key actors and critical locations facilitating the trafficking of priority species and seeks to understand the motivations of these individuals to develop effective interventions.
Actions to Combat Illegal Trafficking in Guatemala
WCS implements a set of actions aligned with its global strategy, including:
-Research and Analysis: Conduct studies to gain a thorough understanding of wildlife trafficking in Guatemala and illegal trade routes. This includes identifying key actors, routes, and methods used in trafficking.
-Targeted Interventions: Develop strategies that address critical points and individuals in the trafficking chain through targeted communication, strengthening international cooperation, legal reform, and restorative justice, among others.
-Capacity Building and Institutional Engagement: Train local authorities and indigenous communities to improve detection, monitoring, and response capacity to trafficking. This work is carried out with a focus on sustainability, aiming to establish long-term competencies within Guatemalan institutions.
-Reduction of Economic Incentives: Lower economic rewards for traffickers by promoting policies that discourage demand for illegal wildlife products and implementing effective sanctions against illicit trade.
This multidimensional approach by WCS aims to reduce illegal trafficking in Guatemala through coordinated efforts with authorities, local communities, and international partners, achieving a sustainable impact on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem integrity in the country.