Combating environmental crimes is a growing concern in the Virunga National Park and Lake Edward ecosystems. In order to strengthen protection measures for these fragile areas, the NGO Congolese Alert for the Environment and Human Rights (ACEDH), in partnership with the Federation of Lake Edouard Fishermen’s Committees (FECOPEILE), recently concluded a three-day training course for six judicial officers with restricted jurisdiction.
Among the six officers trained, two were specialized in the environmental field, two others in fishing and livestock breeding, one in town planning and another from the locality of Maboya. This training aimed to enable them to apply laws to combat environmental crimes, such as poaching, illegal fishing, carbonization, exploitation and trafficking in Virunga National Park and Lake Edward.
According to Eric Kambale, consultant within ACEDH, the non-enforcement of laws is at the origin of the slippages observed in these sensitive areas. It is therefore essential that these Judicial Police officers can work with integrity and impartiality by applying all the laws that are necessary for them, whether the law relating to the environment, the constitution, the land code, the code criminal law or the code of criminal procedures.
The training also welcomed the participation of military officers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and officials from the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), demonstrating the need for a multidisciplinary approach. to effectively combat environmental crimes.
This capacity building session was capped by the swearing-in of the newly trained officers, symbolizing their commitment to working for the protection of the environment and the preservation of the ecosystems of Virunga National Park and Lake Edward.
The training of these judicial officers constitutes an important step in the fight against environmental crimes. Through better law enforcement, it is hoped that illegal activities such as poaching, illegal fishing and exploitation will be reduced, thereby enabling the preservation of the wildlife, flora and natural resources of these valuable areas.
It is also crucial that the different actors work together to put in place effective protection measures, raise awareness among the local population and promote sustainable solutions for the preservation of these unique ecosystems. Cooperation between government agencies, NGOs, local communities and law enforcement is essential to preserve the environmental wealth of the region, while ensuring sustainable development and the well-being of the populations who depend on it.
In conclusion, combating environmental crimes in Virunga National Park and Lake Edward ecosystems is a priority. The training of judicial officers in the enforcement of environmental protection laws is a crucial step in this process. However, it is essential that this initiative is supported by concrete actions, increased awareness and close collaboration between all stakeholders involved. Only a global and coordinated approach will guarantee the preservation of these fragile ecosystems for future generations.