
Enforcement Challenges
Limited Political Will
Limited political will reduces the consistency, urgency, and prioritisation of wildlife enforcement across the Caribbean. While some governments publicly acknowledge the importance of tackling wildlife crime, follow-through can be slow or incomplete. In several jurisdictions, for example, draft legislation relevant to biodiversity and wildlife crime has been prepared but remains unadopted for years, reflecting a gap between stated commitments and concrete action. Competing national priorities, short electoral cycles, and shifting policy agendas often further dilute attention to long-term wildlife enforcement goals.
This lack of sustained commitment weakens the effectiveness of wildlife enforcement by delaying legal reforms, limiting budgets, and undermining inter-agency and regional cooperation. Without consistent high-level backing, enforcement agencies may lack the authority or resources needed to address wildlife crime effectively, allowing traffickers and illegal operators to exploit systemic weaknesses. Inconsistent political engagement also reduces momentum for regional initiatives, making it harder to build the trust and alignment required for cross-border enforcement.
Addressing limited political will requires sustained advocacy, public pressure, and clear evidence of the economic, social, and ecological impacts of wildlife crime. Building cross-party support, integrating wildlife enforcement into broader development and security agendas, and ensuring that commitments are matched with resources and timelines can help close the gap between intention and action. By securing consistent political leadership, the Caribbean can strengthen its wildlife enforcement capacity and deliver a united, long-term response to wildlife crime.
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