A critical analysis of the efficacy of the cites electronic permitting system in combatting illegal wildlife trade in Uganda.

Abstract

Wildlife populations are in a prevalent reduction globally. The decline has been so considerable that it is approximated that the biomass of humans is now a sequence of vastness is higher than that of all wild mammals amalgamated. Habitat demolition and poaching to furnish the international illegal wildlife trade (IWT) are two predominant inducements of this alarming hornets’ nest. The objective of this study is to elucidate the efficacy of the electronic CITES (eCITES) in improving the implementation of the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) by using modern InfoTech to abridge regulated trade and to fight against illicit wildlife commerce. The eCITES comprises electronic application and issuance of CITES permits, management and verification of CITES permits, detailing along with electronic swapping of permits (permit particulars) betwixt the parties. The study employs the doctrinal legal research methodology and qualitative legal research method of using interviews to collect data to establish the findings of the study. Whereas there are impediments affecting the applicability of the eCITES system in combatting illegal wildlife trade such as implementation lapses, uncoordinated responses towards combatting illegal wildlife trade in the region, corruption and inadequate resources, Uganda has profited from eCITES. Some of the gains include; streamlining and ameliorating the operations of Management Authorities and other agencies to effectuate the Convention, improving inspections and targets, identifying those actors that break the law, among others. To address the gaps affecting the implementation of the eCITES permitting system, the study proposes some of the following recommendations; Accelerated enrolment of the eCITES permitting system, prosecuting corrupt officials, capacity building of the relevant stakeholders, adopting fraud and validity proof systems, among others. Automated systems particularly the eCITES are critical to the objective of ensuring legal, sustainable and traceable international wildlife trade. The implementation of the eCITES permitting system is critical in curbing illegal wildlife trade in Uganda.