Context
Ivory, rhino horn and pangolin scales are among the most traded illegal wildlife products worldwide. They mainly originate in Africa and are in high demand, particularly in Asian countries. There, certain wildlife products are regarded as status symbols or are used in traditional medicine.
Wildlife crime threatens animal populations and their habitats. It also jeopardises the economy, security and political stability of nations. Illegal trade thus hinders development and weakens governments.
Regional efforts to combat poaching have already proven successful. However, political instability, resurgent criminal networks and rising corruption are jeopardising these achievements. At the same time, human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with elephants, are on the rise.
Objective
Key stakeholders implement proven approaches to combatting transnational organised wildlife crime.
Approach
The project operates in four areas:
- It supports government and civil society partners in combating poaching in transboundary protected areas with local communities.
- The project also improves cross-border and cross-sectoral cooperation in the partner countries, enabling authorities to investigate organised wildlife crime effectively.
- It reduces demand for wildlife products in Asia by analysing consumption patterns and implementing target-group-specific awareness campaigns.
- Furthermore, it promotes national and international exchange, compiles lessons learned and disseminates them.
The project consults with the relevant German federal ministries and their subordinate authorities. In the partner countries, it works with governmental and non-governmental partners as well as other German development cooperation projects.
Last update: May 2026
