Peru fights environmental crime

Madre de Dios in Peru is one of the most diverse and biodiverse regions on the planet, home to a large number of endangered species. The region’s namesake river basin and nearby rivers are vital to the survival of numerous indigenous communities and local populations, who derive their resources and livelihoods from these rivers, the rainforest and their natural environment.

Environmental protection has become a global priority, but in the case of the Madre de Dios region it is important to take strong and responsible measures to protect the forest, water and ecosystems to ensure the survival of the region.

For one week, the European project “Supporting European Union law enforcement in the fight against drugs and organised crime in Peru” has carried out training in this Peruvian region for police personnel specialised in the fight against these crimes (DIRMEAM) and also for members of the environmental and organised crime prosecutor’s office.

The training of specialised personnel in combating these crimes improves the capacity of law enforcement agencies to detect, investigate and prosecute the criminals responsible. It also helps to raise awareness of these environmental problems and promote a culture of environmental protection in the region.

The training was given by a commander of the French National Gendarmerie and by a first sergeant of the Spanish Civil Guard and was an opportunity to present to the participants the creation of the Specialised Multidisciplinary Team (EME) in the fight against environmental crimes promoted by the project, which will be based in Lima with national competence and will carry out investigations into criminal organisations that commit this type of crime.