Training on the prosecution and adjudication of wildlife crimes is being conducted in Jigjiga to strengthen the capacity of investigators, prosecutors, judges, and police officers in combating wildlife crime in the Somali Regional State.
The training is jointly organized by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority and the Environmental Protection and Rural Land Administration Bureau of the Somali Regional State, in collaboration with the African Wildlife Foundation.
The training was officially opened by H.E. Mr. Kumera Wakijira, Director General of EWCA. Mr. Kumera highlighted the region’s valuable wildlife resources and emphasized the need for coordinated action among stakeholders and partners to conserve them.
He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the knowledge, skills, and institutional capacity of justice and law enforcement institutions to effectively investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate wildlife crimes.
He further underscored that the training will enhance professionals’ capacity and awareness, contributing to joint efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and ensure the long term conservation of Ethiopia’s wildlife resources.
W/ro Marwa Abdiasis Environmental Protection and Rural Land Administration Deputy Bureau head of SRS highlighted that the region is endowed with abundant and diverse wildlife resources, emphasizing that the training makes a significant contribution to strengthening efforts to conserve the region’s natural heritage, combat wildlife crime, and prevent the illegal trafficking of wildlife and their products.
On the other hand, Mr. Gebeyaw Dilnesa, Countering Wildlife Trafficking Program Coordinator at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), highlighted the main objectives of the training. He emphasized that AWF has been working to strengthen coordination and collaboration among environmental authorities, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the judiciary to combat wildlife crime.
He further noted that enhanced institutional cooperation is essential to ensuring that wildlife crimes are thoroughly investigated, evidence is properly collected and handled in accordance with the law, and cases are effectively prosecuted and adjudicated.
Participants drawn from Fafan, Jarar, and Erer Zones, including judges, prosecutors, and police officers, are taking part in sessions focused on wildlife legislation, investigation procedures, evidence collection and preservation, and the effective prosecution of wildlife-related offenses.
Strengthening the justice system’s response to wildlife crime is essential to protecting Ethiopia’s wildlife resources, while contributing to the sustainable management of these resources for present and future generations.
