Laker Wildlife Initiative Programs and Activities
White Papers: Advancing the Fight Against Wildlife Crime
The Laker Wildlife Initiative is dedicated to combating wildlife crime through science, innovation, and collaboration. One of our core strategic goals is the development of authoritative white papers. These comprehensive documents serve as vital resources for law enforcement, policymakers, scientists, and conservationists worldwide.
Why White Papers Matter
Wildlife crime—including poaching, trafficking, and illegal trade—poses a severe threat to global biodiversity and ecological stability. Effective investigation and prosecution of these crimes require advanced scientific techniques, standardized protocols, and international cooperation. Our white papers are designed to:
- Promote Best Practices: Establish and share guidance for wildlife crime scene management, evidence collection, and laboratory analysis, supporting consistent and effective approaches across the field.
- Empower Law Enforcement and Practitioners: Provide clear, actionable recommendations to investigators, scientists, and legal professionals, enhancing the quality and impact of wildlife crime investigations.
- Drive Scientific Innovation: Review and recommend the latest technologies and methodologies, ensuring our community remains at the forefront of scientific advancement.
- Inform Policy and Advocacy: Offer policymakers and stakeholders a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in wildlife crime investigation, supporting stronger legal frameworks and resource allocation.
- Support Education and Capacity Building: Serve as foundational training materials for professionals and students, fostering the next generation of experts in wildlife crime investigation and conservation.
The Purpose of Our White Papers
Our white papers are more than just reports—they are catalysts for change. They aim to:
- Strengthen Prosecutions: Demonstrate how scientific evidence can successfully link suspects to wildlife crimes, support species identification, and meet legal standards in court.
- Facilitate Global Collaboration: Harmonize investigative standards internationally, making it easier to share evidence and expertise across borders.
- Raise Awareness: Highlight the urgency and complexity of wildlife crime, inspiring action among governments, NGOs, and the public.
- Identify Gaps and Chart the Future: Analyze current limitations in wildlife crime investigation and propose solutions, research priorities, and areas for investment.
Our Commitment
By developing and disseminating white papers on wildlife forensic crime, the Laker Wildlife Initiative is committed to:
- Advancing the science and practice of wildlife crime investigation and conservation
- Supporting the global fight against wildlife crime
- Protecting endangered species and preserving our planet’s biodiversity