Cape town: The international community has advanced efforts to combat environmental crime, transforming it from a marginalized issue to a central focus of global cooperation, largely due to initiatives begun under South Africa's Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Cape Town Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment was adopted last month, marking a pivotal moment as major economies recognized environmental crime as organized crime. "The Cape Town Declaration was the turning point. It was the first time that G20 nations recognized crimes that affect the environment as organized crimes that demand a united response. The outcomes in Rio prove that multilateralism, when rooted in trust and cooperation, can deliver tangible results," stated Dr. Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

The Cape Town Ministerial Declaration calls for enhanced global collaboration to tackle illegal wildlife trade, deforestation, mining, waste trafficking, and other transnational crimes that threaten environmental security, societies, and economic integrity. This week, the Rio Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment was adopted in Brazil, representing a significant milestone.

Building directly on the Cape Town Declaration, the Rio Declaration was spearheaded by the Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife programme, with Brazil, South Africa, and other governments pledging stronger collective action against environmental crimes. "The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment congratulates the Government of Brazil, the Royal Foundation, and all international partners on the adoption of the Rio Declaration. South Africa remains committed to turning global ambition into lasting action for people and the planet."