The COVID-19 pandemic forced a postponement of all of our in-person field activities in West Africa, and we had to look at inventive alternative solutions to conduct training activities.
In April 2020, all arrangements were in place for our team to lead a training workshop on the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) for judges and prosecutors from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, and Nigeria. Suitcases were packed; flights were booked; and we were all eager to depart for Ghana, which had agreed to host the workshop. This training was to be the second of its kind organized by Born Free USA – we conducted a training for judges and prosecutors from French-speaking countries (October 21 – 25, 2019).
With no way for our trainers or the delegates from various countries to travel safely, everything came to a standstill. We canceled all flights and other arrangements. After so many months of planning this work, we fought against our disappointment at not being able to conduct this high priority training to curtail wildlife crime and ensure that criminals will be adequately sanctioned and put behind bars.
With some easing of travel and gathering restrictions and with strict health protocols in place, we were finally able to hold this training. Instead of an entirely in-person gathering, it was accomplished with a hybrid of virtual and local experts.
On September 15 – 16, 2020, judges, prosecutors, and wildlife authorities from Ghana and Nigeria gathered in large hotel rooms in Accra, Ghana and Abuja, Nigeria for workshops organized and hosted by the CITES management authority of each country. Our training team based in France, South Africa, the USA, Bolivia, and Switzerland delivered training remotely in close collaboration with local authorities.
Despite some intermittent network outages and minor sound problems, the attendees patiently adapted to the circumstances, and we had enthusiastic and active participation.
This training provided judges and prosecutors with the tools they need to:
- enhance their understanding of international best practices to strengthen the criminal justice response to wildlife crime;
- identify the chain of organized criminal activity and understand international rules and procedures in place to complete an organized crime investigation;
- familiarize themselves with the process and benefits of mutual legal assistance;
- strengthen their working relationships with other agencies and other countries.
Our third training for judges and prosecutors from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia (also virtual) is planned for October.
Keep Wildlife in the Wild,
Aurora
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