UNODC Brazil training strengthens efforts against illegal timber trade at ports in the Northern Region

On By Pranco

Participants realize train traffic for illegal traffic on Madeira

Brasilia, November 1, 2024 – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Brazil, through its Forest Crimes and Illegal Timber Markets Program (LEAP), provided two weeks of mentoring, theoretical and practical training to improve the operational practices of teams from key institutions involved to improve the fight against the environment. crimes in the cities of Manaus, Amazonas, Barcarena and Belém, Pará, with a particular focus on illegal timber trade.

The initiative took place from October 7 to 18 and included technical visits to the Super Terminais port in Manaus (AM) and the Vila do Conde port in Barcarena (PA). The courses were attended by 62 participants, including representatives of the Federal Tax Authority of Brazil (RFB), the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), the Federal Highway Police (PRF) and the Management and Operational Center of the Amazon Protection System (CENSIPAM), from the states of Amazonas and Pará.

Representatives of the Federal Receita and Ibama observer instructor during the identification of the identity of Madeira in the port

During the training, participants developed knowledge on various topics related to the illegal timber trade, such as identifying risk indicators, preparing and inspecting cargo, and addressing the imminent inclusion of new species, such as ipê and cumaru , which have recently been included in Annex II of the Treaty. on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In addition, special attention was paid to the safety of personnel working directly in the ports, especially when handling fumigated cargo.

“We understand that technical knowledge, combined with joint efforts between institutions, is crucial for effectively combating environmental crime. We are always available to work with UNODC on enriching initiatives like this,” said one of the federal tax auditors who participated in the activities.

Agent Ibama uses the technology for identification in Madeira

The planned dynamics during the training and practical mentorship in the ports ensured more effective cooperation and better exchange of data and information between the institutions involved. At the end of each week, participants had the opportunity to evaluate the activities carried out and contribute to shaping the next steps of the LEAP program, identifying future training needs and opportunities for experience exchange.

JUMP – The program supports countries in Latin America and Southeast Asia to identify illegal activities in the timber supply chain and prevent, detect and dismantle global criminal networks involved in forest crime. LEAP focuses on transnational operations and investigations, theoretical and practical training, interagency cooperation, and technical expertise in law enforcement. In Latin America, the program operates mainly in six ports in Brazil (Belém-PA, Itajaí-SC, Manaus-AM, Paranaguá-PR, Porto Velho-RO and Santos-SP), as well as in ports in Colombia and Peru.

The LEAP programme, a partnership between INTERPOL and several strategic areas of UNODC, including the Container Control Program (CCP), the Global Program against Money Laundering (GPML) and the Global Maritime Crime Program (GMCP), is supported by the Norwegian International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI).