Fighting Wildlife Crime in Africa: The EAGLE Network’s Approach
Wildlife trafficking poses a significant threat to biodiversity and fuels criminal networks across Africa. Valued at over $20 billion annually and impacting more than 4,000 plant and animal species in 162 countries, the illegal wildlife trade is a complex issue requiring a multifaceted approach. The Eco Activists for Governance and Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Network is at the forefront of this fight, focusing on dismantling the criminal infrastructure that enables poaching and trafficking.
The Scale of Wildlife Trafficking in Central and West Africa
Central and West Africa are major hubs for illegal wildlife trade, serving as bases for transnational criminal networks involved in trafficking and managing extensive poaching operations. These networks often employ corruption, intimidation, and bribery to maintain their control. According to Ofir Drori, founder of the Last Great Ape Organization (LAGA) and co-founder of the EAGLE Network, these criminal enterprises are deeply entrenched and require a targeted strategy to disrupt them.
EAGLE Network: A Collaborative Approach
The EAGLE Network emerged from LAGA in Cameroon and has expanded to include eight non-governmental organizations working collaboratively. Over the past two decades, the network has successfully prosecuted more than 3,000 wildlife traffickers and actively combats corruption to dismantle complicity within institutions. The network’s model focuses on investigations, arrest operations, legal follow-up, and media exposure to ensure justice is served.
Combating Corruption as a Key Strategy
A significant aspect of EAGLE’s work is addressing corruption, which is detected in approximately 85% of arrest operations and 80% of court cases. The organization not only identifies corruption but actively works to counter it, receiving support from governments seeking to improve integrity within their services. This integrated approach of tackling both wildlife crime and corruption has earned EAGLE seven international awards.
From Zero Prosecutions to Consistent Enforcement
The EAGLE model has transformed wildlife law enforcement in participating countries, shifting them from having virtually no prosecutions to achieving an average of one major trafficker arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned per week. This success is attributed to the network’s innovative methods and dedication to applying the law effectively.
The Overarching Objective of EAGLE
The EAGLE Network’s primary objective is to foster civic activism and collaborate with governments and civil society to strengthen the enforcement of national and international environmental legislation. Through investigations, arrests, prosecutions, and publicity, EAGLE aims to deter illegal activities related to wildlife, timber, and associated criminal enterprises, including corruption.
About Ofir Drori and the Origins of EAGLE
Ofir Drori, an Israeli activist, founded LAGA in 2003, specializing in the enforcement of species protection laws in Africa. His work began with rescuing a baby chimpanzee from poachers in Cameroon, sparking a commitment to fighting the bushmeat trade and government corruption. The success of LAGA led to the creation of the broader EAGLE Network, extending its reach and impact across the continent.
To learn more about the work of LAGA and The EAGLE Network, visit www.laga-enforcement.org or www.eagle-enforcement.org.