Environmental crimes: A threat to Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Environmental crime represents a significant challenge to global sustainability, threatening biodiversity and hindering the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As natural resource scarcity escalates, organized crime syndicates increasingly exploit illegal markets for resources such as timber, minerals, and endangered species. These activities, often intertwined with other serious crimes like corruption and money laundering, degrade ecosystems, compromise human health, and destabilize fragile governments. While international conventions and national regulations aim to mitigate environmental crime, limited enforcement, regulatory inconsistencies, and inadequate resources undermine their effectiveness. This paper explores the complexities of environmental crime, emphasizing its transnational nature and its socioeconomic impacts on communities reliant on natural resources. It advocates for strengthened international cooperation, enhanced legal frameworks, and community-driven initiatives to counteract environmental crime. Additionally, it highlights the need for inclusive approaches to environmental governance to protect vulnerable populations and foster sustainable development. By addressing these issues, the global community can better safeguard ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and create pathways toward achieving the SDGs.