Last week, members of Born Free USA’s Africa Policy and Capacity Building program facilitated a training in Côte d’Ivoire for judges and prosecutors from member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The goal of the training was to provide participants with the necessary tools to recognize the chain of organized criminal activity and understand international legislation and procedures in place to complete an organized crime investigation. There were also practical activities that helped officials recognize CITES regulated species. This helps countries support CITES management authorities in implementing countries’ obligations to stop wildlife crime and save animals’ lives.
These trainings are an important aspect of the global war against wildlife crime and help inspire international cooperation between agencies. The more officials who understand the scope of the illegal wildlife trade and can help support law enforcement’s activities the better!
Additional Photos from the Training
