7th - 8th August 2024, Sri Racha, Thailand

The Workshop on the Detecting and Suppression of illegal wildlife trade at Laem Chabang Port was organized by the World Wild Fund by Nature (WWF) in Sri Racha, Thailand, from August 7th-8th, 2024. At the invitation of the WWF, Ms. Zhengqing YE, the representatives of ROCB A/P, attended this workshop.

Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) refers to the illegal trade of wildlife in the form of export, re-export, trans-shipment and import, in contravention of international law and national legislation of the country of origin and importing country. IWT is currently ranked as the 4th most profitable trade after drugs, arms and human trafficking, according to the WWF. Maritime shipping remains the dominant method used for illicit trafficking of wildlife due to cost effectiveness, being able to transport large volumes and heavy weight, and low-risk of detection. With the focus on disrupting transport networks and platforms across the sea, discussions were organized into several thematic sessions. These included Global IWT situation in maritime sector, development of IMO Guidelines to combat IWT, Risk Profiling, the importance of collaboration with private sectors and Crime Convergence and Methods of Smuggling.

During the Workshop, ROCB A/P was invited to join the discussion on current challenges and possible solutions related to IWT. Taking this opportunity, Ms. YE introduced WCO’s instruments and tools, such as CEN Applications and Frontline Customs Officers’ Guide to Key Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). She also emphasized the importance of engaging private sectors to strengthen efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in wildlife crime. ROCB A/P will continue enhancing the cooperative relationship with other organizations and supporting members in fighting against IWT with WCO instruments and tools.

For more information, please contact us at rocb@rocbap.org