WILDLIFECRIME PROJECT

The wildLIFEcrime project, implemented within the framework of the LIFE programme, aims to detect and reduce illegal activities affecting wildlife (e.g. hunting, trapping, poisoning, etc.). The international project, which includes a total of 13 partners, will be implemented between 2023 and 2028. Geographically, target areas (6 in total) have been designated in both partner countries, where the main measures affecting wildlife have been reviewed and harmonised. As a result, greater attention will be paid to the prevention of wildlife crime, the study of cases, criminal proceedings and the conviction of offenders.
The objectives include deepening cooperation between civil society organisations and authorities, increasing the effectiveness of law enforcement action, developing policy at regional, national and EU levels through recommendations, establishing a cooperation structure between the two partner countries, and curbing wildlife crime as effectively as possible and recommending this method to other European countries.
The project pays special attention to prevention, therefore, revealing the motives of crime, supporting forensic work, organising trainings and platforms for information exchange, examining the applicable legislation and administrative obstacles, and creating conflict management strategies are also part of the project’s activities. The project website contains a unified database of detected cases, where detailed information can be obtained on the type of injured animal, the location, the description of the crime and the outcome related to the case. A separate list of protected animals found in the studied area is provided, as well as an introduction to the possible types of wildlife crime. This is also important because the website also allows the reporting of illegal activity. In addition, the partnership is also producing a podcast to spread the message of the project and highlight the seriousness of the problem.