
Enforcement Challenges
Weak or Outdated Legislation
Weak or outdated legislation limits the effectiveness of wildlife enforcement by failing to address current threats, provide adequate deterrence, or align with international best practice. In parts of the Caribbean, legal frameworks may lack clear definitions of wildlife crimes, omit emerging offences such as online wildlife trafficking, or set penalties too low to discourage repeat offenders. Some laws have not been updated in decades, leaving them poorly matched to today’s enforcement realities and out of step with global conventions and agreements.
These legislative gaps undermine the rule of law by creating loopholes that can be exploited by traffickers, illegal operators, and other offenders. Inconsistent or outdated laws across jurisdictions make it more difficult to coordinate wildlife enforcement regionally, allowing criminals to shift operations to areas with weaker protections. Weak legislation also hampers prosecution, as insufficient evidence thresholds or unclear statutory authority can lead to cases being dismissed, fines being minimal, or penalties not reflecting the severity of the harm caused.
Addressing legislative weaknesses requires comprehensive legal review, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with relevant international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the Convention on Biological Diversity. This includes updating definitions, strengthening penalties, closing procedural loopholes, and ensuring laws are adaptable to new forms of wildlife crime. Regional cooperation on legislative reform can also promote consistency, improve cross-border coordination, and send a strong signal that the Caribbean is united in its commitment to advancing wildlife enforcement.
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