Page 38 - Coespu 2018-4

The illegal trafficking of protected species, as well as illegal waste traffic, are just two examples of
the problems afflicting the Sahel countries: it has also been shown that the proceeds of these
criminal activities are often used to finance terrorist groups or other criminal activities of the place.
GAR-SI Sahel is a Eu program which aim is to train local gendarmerie on a prompt and effective
response to criminal behaviours affecting Sahel's area, trafficking human being, drugs, weapons,
wildlife and others.
During this mission the
Forestry Carabinieri Corps
introduced GARSI's unit to
the main environmental
issues, with particular
attention on the illegal
trafficking of protected
species. Although these illegal
a c t i o n s a r e o f t e n a
consequence of extreme
poverty, they seriously
threaten biodiversity and
entail irreparable damages to
wildlife.
For this reason it is essential
to raise an environmental
consciousness even in the
poorest countries of Sahel. Not to mention periodical droughts that might be determined by global
climate changes and which on itself already constitute a concrete menace to the conservation of
species.
GAR-SI Sahel's program of training is a concrete attempt to face all these problems that broaden
their effects beyond the border of the countries involved.

written by:

Maj. Michele Viale
Officer of Italian Forestry Carabinieri Corps

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