Imagine a world where elephants, rhinos, and even common bird species can only be seen in museums. This frightening scenario could become reality if illegal wildlife trade continues unchecked. Like a sharp knife, this illicit trade is relentlessly cutting through Earth's biodiversity. Now, a dedicated group of professionals is working silently to protect these precious lives.
Recently, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a special certification ceremony in Lusaka, Zambia, where 12 customs officers from Africa and Asia officially earned the title of "Technical and Operational Advisors" after rigorous evaluation. These officers will now serve as experts in combating wildlife smuggling and protecting endangered species.
Why This Certification Matters
The certification represents a significant milestone in the WCO's INAMA project, supported by COPES and Mercator initiatives. The INAMA project aims to enhance customs authorities' capabilities in fighting illegal wildlife trade across participating nations.
The certification process followed extensive training and practical experience. The 14 candidates came from 12 countries including Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Togo, and Zambia. Before certification, they participated in multiple training sessions, regional anti-fraud workshops, and global PRAESIDIO operations.
These experts had already provided guidance to customs officers in INAMA beneficiary countries. During the Zambia certification workshop, they conducted specialized training on combating wildlife smuggling for Zambian customs personnel. This training complemented WCO's previous risk management activities in Zambia and fraud prevention training under the COPES project, creating a comprehensive capacity-building framework.
The Rigorous Certification Process
Candidates demonstrated expertise in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and wildlife smuggling, along with presentation and training skills. They delivered both prepared and impromptu presentations on CITES and wildlife trafficking topics, evaluated by WCO certification experts who assessed their technical knowledge and instructional abilities.
Ultimately, 12 customs officers earned certification as WCO Technical and Operational Advisors, with one additional officer receiving pre-certification status. Their expertise will significantly strengthen anti-smuggling efforts across Africa and Asia.
How These Experts Will Make an Impact
The newly certified advisors will serve as critical resources for customs authorities by:
- Providing specialized knowledge about CITES regulations, wildlife identification, and smuggling methods
- Conducting training programs to enhance customs officers' anti-smuggling skills
- Participating directly in operations against wildlife trafficking
- Facilitating international cooperation among customs administrations
The Global Wildlife Trafficking Crisis
Wildlife smuggling persists due to complex socioeconomic factors:
- Lucrative black market prices for ivory, rhino horn, and other wildlife products
- Sustained consumer demand in certain regions
- Insufficient law enforcement capacity in some areas
- Economic pressures that drive participation in illegal trade
Collective Action Against Wildlife Crime
Effective solutions require global cooperation across multiple fronts:
- Strengthening legal frameworks and penalties
- Enhancing enforcement through interagency collaboration
- Raising public awareness to reduce demand
- Supporting sustainable economic alternatives
- Expanding international law enforcement cooperation
The INAMA project and this certification initiative demonstrate the international community's commitment to protecting endangered species. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and the UK's HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD program, these efforts reflect growing recognition of wildlife trafficking as a serious transnational crime.
About CITES
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement that regulates wildlife trade to prevent species extinction. Since 1975, CITES has classified species into three appendices with varying trade restrictions based on conservation status. Customs authorities play vital roles in enforcing CITES provisions at borders.
About WCO
The World Customs Organization is an independent intergovernmental body based in Brussels that develops international standards, provides technical assistance, and conducts training to enhance customs administration worldwide. WCO initiatives address smuggling prevention, trade facilitation, and security.
About INAMA
The INAMA project strengthens African and Asian nations' capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade through training, technical support, and equipment provision. The U.S. Department of State-funded initiative promotes cross-border cooperation against wildlife trafficking networks.