TACKLING ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME.

• Position: Brief article

The European Union has to be more involved in tackling wildlife crime, states the European Parliament in a resolution, adopted on 15 January. Wildlife crime is a serious form of transnational organise crime worth at least US$19 billion annually and is a source of serious threats to political stability, the economy, local means of subsistence and natural resources, note MEPs. The EU has a heavy responsibility because it is both an important market and a transit route - or even a hub - for wildlife trafficking, states the EP, which urges the European Commission and member states to take a tougher stance on this illegal trade. The resolution asks the Commission to draw up without delay an EU...