Cooperation – Enhancing information sharing across jurisdictions

Multi-jurisdictional cooperation is a key element of wildlife protection and illegal wildlife trafficking. Strategies to reduce the pressurse of illegal and unsustainable trade on biodiversity - and enhance the benefits to wildlife conservation and human well-being that derive from trade at sustainable levels - require cooperation between conservations, law enforcement, customs, and private industry.

  • Cross-jurisdictional comparisons of wildlife trade trends, patterns, impacts and drivers to bolster the knowledge base on trade in wild animals and plants.
  • Policy-level work to inform, support and encourage action by governments and international bodies to adopt, implement and enforce effective policies

Effective information sharing through formal and informal networks can result in high-level conviction and seizure of assets.

 

Once a baseline level of cooperation is established, individual nations should implement legislation to enable wildlife crime to be treated as serious and organised crime according to the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), with penalties of four years or more in prison. Sentences should punish the offender to an extent that is justified by the circumstances, and be comparable with sentences applied to other serious crimes. Sentences should provide conditions that will help the offender to be rehabilitated, deter the offender and other persons from committing the same or a similar offence, and make clear that the community denounces the sort of conduct in which the offender was involved.

 

Information exchange between law enforcement agencies, FIUs, financial institutions, and civil society should be encouraged, to share knowledge, identify targets and patterns of behaviour, and more effectively mitigate wildlife crime risks.

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.

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. 

Mitigation of human pressures on the park’s natural resources

Before 1990, the area around Bau Sau was under severe pressures from local communities in Dak Lua Commune. Local people often entered the park for harvesting timber, fishing, and hunting animals. Conflicts between locals and forest rangers occurred frequently and seriously (with death, and a ranger station was burnt in 1990).

After establishment, the park managers focused on law enforcement. Number of donor projects in this period helped improving local livelihoods through productive and effective farming, e.g. irrigation, increasing rice crops cultivation from twice to three times/year, high yielding maize. With consensus from local people, households living in the core zone were supported to relocate to the buffer zones. Forest protection contracts were signed with local households, forest protection teams were established in villages around the park. Illegal activities were sharply reduced. Relationship with local communities has been improved, pressures on natural resources has reduced, and the habitat quality has been enhanced.

Along with proactive habitat restoration measures, wild fauna populations recovered rapidly. In addition to the Siamese Crocodile population that was re-established in Bau Sau area, other populations of animals of conservation concerns such as Gaur, and Green Peafowl etc. are well maintained.

  • New protected area policies have helped solving many limitations in the previous period.
  • Appropriate conservation plans and strategies are in place.
  • There are sufficient resources (human, financial) provided through nationally and internationally funded projects.
  • Active participation of local communities in conservation work.
  • New awareness on biodiversity conservation regarding restoration of  wild native and threatened species.

The conservation achievements of Cat Tien National Park could have only be achieved when the participation of the community was mobilised. Good strategic plans and sufficient financial investment have helped local communities redirect livelihood activities to reduce pressures on natural resources, thereby creating conditions for the restoration and improvement of the park’s biodiversity values.

Reintroduction of a Siamese Crocodile population in Bau Sau lake, Cat Tien National Park

In 1998, site managers and scientists discussed the possibility of reintroducing a crocodile population at Bau Sau. This was because the lake was situated in the historical occupation range of the species, and at that time, the habitat quality had been improved and ready for a reintroduction program. Feasibility studies were carried out. The park also held discussions among experts, managers, and authorities at all levels to gain consensus on the program.

In 2000, with the support from international experts, purebred Siamese Crocodiles, which are believed to have provenance from Cat Tien area, were selected from a farm in Ho Chi Minh City, to training for restoring their natural behaviours. From 2001 to 2005, a total of 60 adults were released into Bau Sau. In September 2005, the first baby crocodiles were recorded.

Recent monitoring shows that the number of individuals is increasing, the distribution area is also expanding with records in some neighbouring lakes. As of 2019, monitoring data has recorded at least 286 individuals (including 228 juveniles). Up to now, it can be confirmed that freshwater crocodile populations have been successfully re-established in Cat Tien National Park. The number and structure of the recorded population ensures that this is a healthy and viable population.

  • Natural habitats of Crocodiles in Cat Tien National Park (Bau Sau and surrounding wetlands) are well protected and restored, prey populations are well maintained to facilitate the reintroduction.
  • Source of breeds in the crocodile farms meet requirements in terms of genetics and epidemiology.
  • There is enough scientific basis for a population reintroduction program.
  • Supports from governments and international community helped the National Park managers have enough determination in re-establishing a Siamese Crocodile population.

The success of re-establishment of a Siamese Crocodile population in Cat Tien National Park is the result of a joint effort of Vietnam and the international conservation community. This is a good lesson for future re-wilding efforts. Local political determination (local governments and site leaders) plays an important role in creating the necessary conditions for population re-establishment.

Important elements for this success include: i) available breeding stock for re-wilding, ii) safe habitats with sufficient prey sources, and iii) proper awareness on animal-human conflict for to ensure the compatible behaviours for long-term survival of the re-established population.

To date, the freshwater crocodile re-establishment programme at Bau Sau was recognized as the first successful crocodile reintroduction effort in the world, and it therefore can provide experience for other population re-establishment projects in future.

Cat Tien National Park
Reintroduction of a Siamese Crocodile population in Bau Sau lake, Cat Tien National Park
Mitigation of human pressures on the park’s natural resources
Commitment of producers to try non-lethal alternatives to coexist with wild carnivores

Producers must also have to commit not to kill predators and to be part of a more environmentally friendly production. A final key aspect is that the conservationist using this technique will have to invest a considerable amount of time between training the dog, selecting puppy candidates, constant monitoring and much more. If the social factors mentioned before are not taken into account and these commitments are not met, the success of the project would not be possible.

Commitment by participating herders not to kill wildcats.

Recording of depredation events before and after the LGD to provide evidence-based results.

Selected herders should not use poison or traps in the livestock grazing area. It's important that they have a good relationship with their neighbours, otherwise the protection dogs will be at risk. Producers must be accompanied by technicians and be trained to successfully complete the protection dog training. On rare occasions when the puppy starts work it may bite or kill livestock, this behaviour must be corrected immediately using non-aggressive techniques. Producers must sign a pledge not to kill wildcats, mainly those at risk. It’s advisable to work with NGOs, producer associations, government and others to cover costs and ensure sustainability in time.