Security and Conservation: The Politics of the Illegal Wildlife Trade

Biodiversity conservation is increasingly recognized as a critical component of global security, with the illegal wildlife trade being linked to organized crime, armed groups, and terrorist networks. In Security and Conservation, Rosaleen Duffy examines the scale, practical reality, and future implications of this integration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

The illegal wildlife trade is often articulated as a driver of biodiversity losses, and as a source of finance for organized crime networks, armed groups, and even terrorist networks. Conservationists, international organizations, and national governments have raised concerns about "convergence" of wildlife trafficking with other serious offenses, including theft, fraud, corruption, drugs and human trafficking, counterfeiting, firearms smuggling, and money laundering.

In Security and Conservation, Rosaleen Duffy examines the scale, practical reality, and future implications of the growing integration of biodiversity conservation with global security concerns. Duffy takes a political ecology approach to develop a deeper understanding of how and why wildlife conservation turned toward security-oriented approaches to tackle the illegal wildlife trade.

The illegal wildlife trade is a significant threat to biodiversity and global security. It involves the trade of wildlife products, such as ivory, rhino horns, and tiger bones, that are illegally harvested and sold for profit. The trade not only threatens the survival of many species but also contributes to organized crime, corruption, and violence.

One of the main drivers of the illegal wildlife trade is demand from countries in Asia, particularly China and Vietnam. These countries have a large population and a growing middle class, which has led to a demand for luxury goods, including wildlife products. The trade is also facilitated by corruption and weak law enforcement in many countries, which make it easy for criminals to operate.

The illegal wildlife trade also has significant implications for global security. It can provide funding for organized crime networks, which can be used to support terrorism, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities. It can also contribute to political instability and conflict, as wildlife products can be used as a tool for political bargaining and as a source of revenue for armed groups.

To address the illegal wildlife trade, there are a number of steps that can be taken. These include strengthening law enforcement, implementing stricter regulations on the trade, and increasing public awareness of the issue. International cooperation is also essential, as the trade often crosses national borders.

In conclusion, the illegal wildlife trade is a significant threat to biodiversity and global security. It requires a comprehensive and coordinated response from governments, international organizations, and the public to address the issue. By taking steps.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300230185