Imagine an African elephant brutally hunted for its ivory, its tusks about to be smuggled across borders into illegal markets. How can customs authorities detect and stop such criminal activities? The World Customs Organization's (WCO) INAMA project is working to enhance developing nations' capabilities in this critical area. Between 2019 and 2020, the initiative conducted a series of activities in Malawi aimed at strengthening the Malawi Revenue Authority's (MRA) risk management capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT).
Project Background: INAMA and GIZ Partnership
The INAMA project, officially titled "Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade," is a global initiative launched by the World Customs Organization. The program seeks to effectively combat cross-border illegal wildlife trade by enhancing customs enforcement capabilities to protect endangered species. The Malawi activities received funding support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), demonstrating international commitment to fighting IWT.
Diagnostic Assessment of MRA's Risk Management Capacity
In May 2019, the WCO INAMA project team conducted a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of the Malawi Revenue Authority. The evaluation focused on understanding MRA's current risk management capabilities, particularly regarding IWT-related risk identification, analysis, and response. The assessment covered organizational structure, staffing, technical equipment, information systems, and cooperation mechanisms with other law enforcement agencies.
Through in-depth interviews, field visits, and data analysis, the assessment team identified both strengths and weaknesses in MRA's IWT risk management approach, providing a foundation for subsequent improvement measures.
Implementation Phase: Enhancing Risk Management Skills
Building on the diagnostic assessment, the INAMA team returned to Malawi in February 2020 for the implementation phase. This stage focused on close collaboration with MRA headquarters and port officials through training and practical guidance to enhance risk management skills. Key activities included:
- Risk Profile Development: Assisting MRA officials in creating detailed IWT risk profiles covering common smuggling methods, routes, perpetrator characteristics, and potential risk points.
- Risk Indicator Formulation: Guiding officials in developing specific risk indicators to identify high-risk cargo and passengers, including factors like goods type, origin, destination, transport method, and declared value.
- Risk Analysis Training: Teaching MRA personnel to apply risk analysis techniques for comprehensive information evaluation, assessing probability and impact of various risk factors to prioritize focus areas.
- Response Strategy Design: Helping officials develop targeted response measures including enhanced inspections, improved intelligence gathering, and coordinated operations with other enforcement agencies.
These measures aimed to help MRA establish a robust risk management system to improve efficiency and accuracy in combating IWT.
Regional Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing
To foster regional collaboration, INAMA organized a risk management workshop in Hanoi, Vietnam from March 2-6, 2020. Representatives from Malawi, Nigeria, and Vietnam participated in developing common and specific risk profiles and indicators for IWT. Participants shared experiences, challenges, and opportunities in combating wildlife trafficking, establishing networks for future cooperation.
INAMA's Long-Term Objectives
The project ultimately seeks to strengthen customs enforcement capabilities against IWT, particularly focusing on species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This international agreement ensures wildlife trade doesn't threaten species survival. By enhancing customs capabilities, INAMA contributes to reducing illegal trade, protecting endangered species, and preserving biodiversity.
Malawi's Role in Combating Wildlife Crime
Located in southeastern Africa, Malawi boasts rich biodiversity but faces significant IWT challenges due to its geography and economic conditions. The country serves as a key transit point and destination for illegal ivory, rhino horn, and pangolin trade. Strengthening Malawi's customs enforcement is therefore crucial to regional anti-trafficking efforts. INAMA's implementation helps improve risk management capabilities and enforcement effectiveness in protecting Malawi's wildlife resources.
While INAMA has achieved measurable progress in Malawi, combating IWT remains a long-term challenge requiring continued international cooperation, enhanced support for developing nations, improved enforcement capabilities, and greater public awareness. Addressing the economic and social drivers behind wildlife trafficking through comprehensive measures will be essential for sustainable solutions.