The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has been dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild places for over a century, including by working to counter transnational organized forms of nature crime. WCS works to counter wildlife trafficking and other nature crimes in over half of the 60 countries where we have programs, including major source, transit, and consumer countries.
Our evidence-based approach involves close collaboration with over 500 government agencies and 150 Indigenous People groups, civil society, and local communities. Between 2015 and 2020, we supported governments in developing 37 laws to combat wildlife trafficking across 13 countries. By facilitating cooperation between government agencies and non-governmental organizations, we have driven collective action against these serious crimes, both domestically and transnationally. Our efforts have led to critical bilateral agreements, enhancing cross-border criminal justice cooperation.
In the field, our impact is tangible. Between 2015 and 2020, we provided essential support on 875 wildlife trafficking cases, leading to significant law enforcement outcomes. During the same time period, our intelligence reports—1,178 in total—have been shared with governments and the private sector, contributing to decisive actions against wildlife criminals. To build lasting capacity, WCS has launched the Wildlife Crime Leadership Initiative (WCLI), a long-term, institutionalized, professional training program to elevate levels of competency and commitment in future law enforcement and criminal justice leaders to counter-wildlife trafficking.
