Forensic accounting for wildlife trafficking interdiction

Wildlife crime is not purely a conservation issue, as its adverse impacts also threaten sustainable development, good governance, rule of law, and national security.

 

The aim of this building block is to identify the risks and vulnerabilities of money laundering and how it relates to wildlife crimes. Additionally, this building block endeavours to provide guidance and recommendations to law enforcement and related personnel to enhance the financial aspect of wildlife crime investigations.

 

Fraudulent paperwork can transform wildlife contraband into seemingly legitimate merchandise, enabling it to be openly traded and evade interdiction. There are many schemes that criminals use to create fraudulent wildlife paperwork, including false declarations of captive breeding, purchasing paperwork from corrupt officials, forging paperwork, re-using or altering old permits, etc. Forensic accounting is therefore an important building block

 

 

 

 

Transnational organised crime is found wherever money can be made from illicit dealings, and well-organised criminal groups have turned illegal exploitation of wildlife into a professional business with lucrative revenues. Criminal groups exploit gaps in legislation, law enforcement and the criminal justice system; and the generally weak legislation and inadequate law enforcement in wildlife protection has enabled wildlife criminal groups to flourish. Forensic accounting allows practitioners to close these gaps and bolster wildlife protection.

In order to capitalise on enhanced forensic accounting, complementary legislation should enable wildlife crime to be considered a predicate offence for money laundering, so that anti-money laundering tools can be used. Governments should review their criminal legislation to ensure that law enforcement agencies are fully authorised to follow the financial flows related to wildlife crime and to prosecute money laundering offences.

Domestic multi-agency cooperation should be common practice for wildlife crimes, involving police, customs, environmental authorities, Financial Investigation Units (FIUs), prosecutors, and other relevant domestic agencies for sharing information, intelligence, and conducting joint investigations where appropriate. Joint investigative teams which include FIUs are essential to target criminal networks and not just low-level offenders, and have long been used successfully to address other serious crime types.

Trainings designed to build capacity and awareness among the various stakeholders

ABS Project plays an important role in mainstreaming biodiversity topics within the communities and local authorities. Activities related to education usually refer to any official means for building capacity and develop human resources by campaign, teaching, conduct short term training workshop, and so on.

 

As an example, the National Center of Traditional Medicine (NCTM) is acting as a training center for the holders of traditional knowledge: the Kru Khmers, healers, Chinese traditional medicine experts, etc. The mechanism of NCTM works on training, education, examination, and certification of the Kru Khmers (40-50 Kru Khmers annually) is was consider numerous training sessions held for the local stakeholders on the importance of biodiversity conservation and its value.  Project provide ABS’s knowledge by builds upon these achievements and mainstreams practical knowledge about the ABS mechanisms through similar channels of education.

Training programmes have helped local communities identifying potential value and introducing internationally recognized certificates for genetic resources and traditional knowledge.

Awareness-raising program is increasing in local level and public people in less formal ways such as a public forum, campaign, workshop, seminar, and conference was conducted and organized for all groups in the society, with particular focus on rural communities who depend more directly on nature for their livelihoods and considered to be the primary custodians of biodiversity.

Valuing traditional knowledge

The stores of traditional knowledge in upland Cambodia are rich and greatly varied, and include knowledge on conserving nature, health protection, farming systems, and plant and animal species uses and management.

 

These stores of knowledge reflect the varied geographic areas indigenous peoples and minorities live in, as well as the groups’ respective needs. All societies have utilized the natural environment for sustenance and succour, and the use of plants for medicinal treatment is therefore especially well developed across the globe.

 

As such, research institutions, private pharmaceutical companies and NGOs have in recent years recognized the importance of conserving this knowledge, but also using it to create benefits, which have not always been equitably shared. The absence of a system for the protection of traditional knowledge can easily result in the further erosion of this valuable knowledge and a permanent loss to local and indigenous communities, the country and the global community at large.

 

Failure to bring fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the utilization the traditional knowledge and genetic resources - especially for indigenous peoples and local communities - is a key constraint for the effective conservation of biodiversity.

To remedy these past inequities and build a framework for future success, the ABS project is developing and finalizing national ABS frameworks and roadmaps, as well as models on bio-prospecting, a monitoring framework for tracking genetic resources application, and a monitoring and evaluation plan.

 

To ensure longevity and sustainability, an effective financial mechanism for benefit-sharing from ABS agreements has been established, with an ABS Administrative Permitting System and check-points inaugurated.

The power of innovation, realized via the synthesis of traditional knowledge with modern science and technology, has transformed genetic resources into medicines, foodstuffs, and many other products that are indispensable for human existence. In fact, it can be argued that both genetic resources and innovation underpin sustainable development.

 

Genetic resources are the planet’s patrimony, and can be harnessed for present and future generations; there exists a clear link between sustainable biodiversity use and economic growth. The Nagoya Protocol provides a platform for the equitable sharing of benefits that facilitates sustainable development for indigenous peoples and local communities, and the continued conservation of our natural capital for many years to come.

Improve water access and maximize social benefits

The design and implementation of the flood canal take into consideration different levels of water.

 

During periods of relatively low water levels (below the 5-yr level), the canal resembles a natural stream. A small flow of water runs through gravel and stones, passes over a weir, scatters in shallow areas, and eventually disappears among wetland plants. This scenic stream continues even on non-rainy days through the use of stored rainwater.

 

At the 30-year level, the canal serves as a boundary for different types of plants. Above this level, groups of trees and shrubs are planted, while below it, various species of Miscanthus are cultivated. These plants are well-suited to fluctuating water levels and protect against the force of large flood flows.

 

At the 50-year level, all pathways in the park are elevated above the flood level, ensuring that they remain accessible and cannot be submerged. Along the canal, various amenities are strategically placed to cater to the well-being, comfort, and enjoyment of the citizens. This includes gym facilities, a basketball court, a playground, and shaded seating areas.

 

Overall, the flood canal area is designed to provide a pleasurable experience for visitors, offering a sense of tranquility, recreational opportunities, and a connection with nature.

Flood engineers and landscape architects understand that design encompasses much more than mere decoration. They collaborate to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that consider both the practical aspects of flood control and the overall visual and experiential qualities of the environment.

Studying nature is indeed a valuable approach when creating landscapes. Drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems can help landscape architects design spaces that are harmonious with the surrounding environment and promote ecological balance.  We found Nature-based Solutions and Sponge City are both very useful in the design.

Preserve wetland and reduce the impact of urban development

Wetlands (willow ponds) have is a unique and poetic riverside landscape in the semi-arid Loess Plateau. Recognizing the importance of preserving this distinctive habitat and native flora and fauna along the Qingshui River, the willow ponds were kept with water supported from the Qingshui River.

 

This conservation effort becomes increasingly important as the existing landscape along the River continues to disappear. By using the existing drainage route as the main line for the flood canal, the impact of development is minimized. This approach reduces the need for soil displacement and lowers the risk of soil collapse, striking a balance between flood control and environmental preservation.

 

Furthermore, the design incorporates a soft grass area in the side slope of the canal as much as possible. This choice aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal and livability of the canal area. Additionally, the bottom of the canal is kept permeable,  to improve the overall quality of the canal as a living space.

 

By carefully considering these design elements, the project seeks to create a harmonious and sustainable flood canal system that not only manages water flow but also preserves and enhances the unique landscape of the semi-arid Loess Plateau.

1- With the increasing emphasis on the environment and growing awareness of ecological principles, the ecological design of flood canals is gaining greater acceptance among clients and the general public.

2- The open space available at the site allows for the design of various dimensions for different sections of the flood canal. Additionally, as the building or urban facility is situated at a considerable distance from the canal, it becomes easier for the government client to implement initial experimental details.

The characteristics of the site play a critical role in determining the approach to mitigate the environmental impacts of man-made facilities. The unique attributes of a site are the primary factors considered when deciding how best to minimize the negative effects on the environment.

Increase the flood mitigation capacity and resiliency

The design approach for the flood canal seems well-thought-out. Diverting water through a weir into two pathways based on rainfall intensity allows for adaptability during different flood conditions.

 

Below the 5-year flooding level, the water is directed along a branch line to a wetland area, serving as a means for natural purification and infiltration of the water.

 

For higher flood levels, the canal incorporates an overtopping mechanism at the diversion weir, diverting excess water to the river via a flood channel, for up to a 50-year return period.

 

Consideration of various flood levels (5-year, 30-year, and 50-year) is important for erosion control measures. Different design strategies, such as impervious concretion base for the 5-year flood, retaining walls along the slope for the 30-year flood, and pervious surface measures above that level due to low erosion risk, help meet the requirements of each flood level and velocity.

 

Overall, the design of the flood canal appears to account for ecological concerns, varying flood conditions, and the management of sedimentation and erosion.

1- The completion of flood modeling during the early stages has proven advantageous for the flood canal design.

 

2- The design of the flood canal received support from a diverse team of experts, including hydrology and hydraulics (H&H) engineers, geotechnical specialists, and landscape architects. The successful implementation of integrated solutions would not have been possible without effective teamwork and collaboration.

Coordinating different departments and designers are very important through this comprehensive design, to make sure the design meets the demands. 

Conduct good site investigation and flood modeling

During the initial phase of the project, a comprehensive urban flood risk map was created using GIS and HEC-RAS. This map encompasses both the river and the expansive Guyuan metropolitan area, spanning over 150 square kilometers. The model effectively captures crucial data points like flood velocity, inundation areas, duration, and other vital information, laying a strong foundation for informed decision-making and effective flood mitigation strategies.

Thanks to the valuable support from the local government and survey department, we were able to obtain high-definition raster data to accurately depict the site’s topography. With a resolution of 0.5m, which surpasses the standards of typical projects, this detailed topographic information greatly benefits all phases of the project, including design and implementation.

 

The visualization of modeling results plays a crucial role in enhancing the understanding of flooding issues, particularly for clients. This clear visualization becomes a pivotal factor in obtaining approval for necessary mitigation measures.

Beijing Yuren Raineco Technology Co.,Ltd.
Conduct good site investigation and flood modeling
Increase the flood mitigation capacity and resiliency
Preserve wetland and reduce the impact of urban development
Improve water access and maximize social benefits