IMO introduces new e-learning course on countering wildlife traffickin...

IMO introduces new e-learning course on countering wildlife trafficking

Published: 14 November 2024

It is estimated that by volume, 72–90% of wildlife products are trafficked by sea- with this illegal trade posing significant risks to both the environment and to human health. A new e-learning offering from the IMO aims to equip stakeholders with the knowledge to counter this activity.

The IMO has added a new e-learning course – an “Introduction to Counter Wildlife Trafficking in Maritime Supply Chain to their online training offering.

Wildlife trafficking at sea poses significant risks including the depletion of endangered species, disruption of ecosystems and causing a loss of biodiversity as well as contributing to the spread of disease through the transmission of harmful pathogens. Preventing trafficking helps reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases. Additionally, wildlife trafficking is often linked to other forms of organised crime, such as drug trafficking and money laundering.

It is estimated that by volume, 72–90% of wildlife products are trafficked by sea with the trafficking routes and methods evolving over time to avoid detection, making it a persistent challenge for law enforcement (Traffic.org)

Training is crucial to counter wildlife trafficking as it equips maritime professionals with the knowledge to identify and report illegal activities. Enhanced awareness and skills help detect concealed wildlife products, ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting biodiversity.

The e-course covers international conventions and declarations on wildlife trade, common smuggled species and concealment methods, wildlife crime intelligence, port security and measures to prevent, detect and report wildlife trafficking on ships.

The course has been developed in collaboration with the World Maritime University (WMU) under the organisation's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) and with technical and funding support from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The course is based on the IMO Revised Guidelines for the prevention and suppression of the smuggling of wildlife on ships engaged in international maritime traffic. It consists of five modules and is designed to enhance awareness and understanding of the magnitude and implications of wildlife trafficking in international shipping and to promote collaboration and cooperation at various levels through measures by government agencies and companies to combat this illicit trade.

The free online course is currently available in English. Since this is a self-paced online course, it can be paused, saved, restarted and replayed at any time. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to download and print a certificate of completion.

To access the course you will first need to set up a Public Account with the IMO at IMO Web Accountsand then visit IMO e-Learning.

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