Starting in 2015, SIOI and UNICRI have collaborated closely to offer joint training courses in emerging areas of justice and crime prevention. We are excited to announce the eighth edition of the Winter School on Environmental Crimes, which will be conducted online from November 18 to 22, 2024.

Addressing environmental crimes is more urgent and crucial than ever before, as they affect all countries indiscriminately, impacting biodiversity, national security, human rights, and socio-economic development. Illegal acts that directly harm the environment such as illegal trade in wildlife, smuggling of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), illicit trade of hazardous waste, illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, and illegal logging and trade in timber, not only degrade ecosystems but also threaten the health and livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. As the planet’s ecological balance becomes more fragile, the consequences of these crimes are more far-reaching and severe. Therefore, the implementation and enforcement of environmental laws and proactive measures to combat these offences are essential to safeguard our planet and ensure a sustainable future for all.

Since 1998, UNICRI has been at the forefront of tackling environmental crimes. The Institute has spearheaded numerous international projects designed to enhance knowledge and develop capabilities to combat the illegal trade and trafficking of environmentally harmful materials, including e-waste, chemicals, biological, radiological, and nuclear substances, and precious metals. Fueled by individuals but also by organized crime groups attracted to high profits and low detection risks, these crimes continue to proliferate. The recently released World Wildlife Crime Report 2024 highlights the strict interconnection between wildlife crimes and organized crime, revealing that the illicit trade in wildlife is not just a matter of conservation concern but also a significant component of transnational organized crime networks. This emphasizes the necessity of integrated efforts and international cooperation to combat these intertwined criminal enterprises effectively.

Environmental crimes are becoming progressively integrated and viewed within a broader, global system. They are no longer seen as isolated incidents but as interconnected issues that impact the environment, public health, and international security. At the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (COP 28), UNODC presented evidence of the need to address environmental crimes to support climate change mitigation.