Deterring nature crime
We support the Government of Malawi to take progressive action on illegal wildlife trade and other types of nature crime, recognising the threat these crimes pose not just to environmental health but to economic and social security too.
Taking action
After being singled out as a notorious hub for ivory trafficking in 2016, Malawi now has some of the world’s toughest laws on wildlife crime – laws that we helped to develop and now help implement. Since this legislation came into effect, ivory trafficking has dropped by 67%. Average sentences have moved from fines of just $40 to six years’ imprisonment for offences against Listed Species.Â
We are also addressing other forms of organised nature crime. For example, forests are being stripped at a devastating rate for illegal charcoal production and timber trade, and illegal mining is destroying wildlife habitats in protected areas. Other biodiversity hotspots, including wetlands, rivers and lakes, are also under threat from illegal activities such as overfishing and environmental pollution.Â
OUR PROJECTS
Strengthening laws
We support the Government of Malawi to strengthen laws and policies to protect natural resources and prosecute organised nature crimes.Â
Specialist tools
We run a court monitoring programme and national wildlife crime database. We also develop specialist tools and deliver training for magistrates, judges, prosecutors, and investigators.
Regional collaboration
We work with partners throughout the region to tackle cross-border wildlife trafficking and other nature crimes.
Our work is bold and wide-ranging
We take a holistic approach that benefits both people and wildlife
Volunteer
