Crimes that affect the environment include wildlife crime, forest crime, crimes in the fisheries sector, minerals crime and waste crime - ranging from the trafficking of protected species and illegal logging, to illegal mining and the movement of hazardous waste. These offences are increasingly organized, transnational and harmful to ecosystems and communities.
The Global Programme on Crimes that Affect the Environment (GPCAE) works with Member States and partners to better understand these threats, strengthen criminal justice responses and improve cooperation along illicit supply chains. This includes assistance to review and improve national legislation, development of practical guidance and tools, and support to criminal justice authorities across the entire enforcement chain. The Programme also assists countries to address corruption risks linked to crime that affect the environment, enhance the use of financial investigations, and expand access to knowledge and technical resources. Our efforts in this area contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular Sustainable Development Goals 3, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
GPCAE prioritizes regional and international cooperation by supporting information-sharing, cross-border investigations and the development of practitioner networks, enabling more effective coordination between source, transit and destination countries. Through partnerships with civil society and the private sector, GPCAE supports improved detection, prevention and accountability, helping to close enforcement gaps and strengthen long-term institutional capacity.
Recognizing the growing importance of scientific evidence, GPCAE supports the application of specialized scientific and technical methods, such as wildlife forensic science, through guidance, training, mentoring and access to specialized services, helping national authorities strengthen the quality and credibility of investigations and prosecutions.
Our work connects national action with international policy processes, ensuring that responses to crimes that affect the environment are grounded in both operational reality and global commitments.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Environment Team
Border Management Branch
Vienna International Centre
P.O. Box 500
1400 Vienna
Austria
