GENEVA — Cargo ships have become increasingly favored over the last year as a means for criminal organizations to transport illegal wildlife products, after COVID-19 related restrictions disrupted other forms of transportation.

UN agencies are heavily involved in ramped-up efforts to curb sea-bound trafficking, which has, until recently, been a relatively low risk way to criminals to transport illegal products, such as ivory and pangolin scales.

Low awareness of wildlife trafficking, weak enforcement capacity, and limited coordination among the main players involved in shipping have all played a role.

Now a range of programs supported by the UN Development Program (UNDP) including a maritime trafficking project, is aiming to tame the illegal wildlife trade. — UN News