11 August 2022, Mexico - National authorities have undertaken a self assessment of responses to wildlife crime in Mexico. Guided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the self assessment was conducted using the Indicator Framework to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime developed by the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC).
The results and final report of the assessment were presented to authorities under the banner of the 110th anniversary of the “Escuela Libre de Derecho” and the 30th anniversary of the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA). The findings create a baseline from which to measure the effectiveness of future law enforcement and criminal justice system responses to wildlife and forest crime.
The report is the result of an inter-agency process that began in November 2021 when authorities, intergovernmental organizations and other relevant actors convened to discuss the unprecedented threats facing wildlife in Mexico and to analyze the national response to date.
The Federal Prosecutor Blanca Alicia Mendoza Vera, Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), Mauricio Zapata, Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and Arturo Ramos Sobarzo, Escuela Libre de Derecho attended the hybrid presentation event together with UNODC México representatives Mario Cordero, and Marco Del Toral. The audience included delegates from national, state, and local governments, private sector and academia.
At the presentation event, Federal Prosecutor Blanca Alicia Mendoza Vera acknowledged the effort, hard work and appreciation to UNODC for the capacity building through the technical assistance it provides. She extended her sincere gratitude to UNODC for considering PROFEPA as an ally in such transcendental projects, stating that we should all be concerned and involved in these areas together.
Mauricio Zapata, Secretariat of foreign Affairs (SRE) stated that this report shows the negative impact of crime on the environment and reconfirmed the commitment of Mexico to adopt efficient measures to prevent and combat crimes that affect the environment, as well as the support for international cooperation initiatives aimed at protecting Mexico's environmental heritage.
The important contribution of academia and the scientific community was highlighted by Arturo Ramos Sobarzo of the Escuela Libre de Derecho, emphasizing their commitment to environmental education, as well as training and raising awareness of these affairs among the authorities and students.
“Exemplary levels of cooperation between institutions and authorities were evident throughout the process,” commented UNODC’s Marco del Toral. He expressed his gratitude for the support of all involved in the creation of this report and reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to work closely with the Mexican government to strengthen capacities to prevent and combat crimes that affect the environment.
This important work contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13: Climate Action; 14: Life under Water; 15: Life on Land; 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Click here to learn more about UNODC’s Global Programme on Crimes that Affect the Environment
Click here to learn more about ICCWC
