What is the definition of environmental crime?

Environmental crime refers to illegal activities that directly harm the environment. These activities can involve the illegal exploitation of natural resources, pollution, and the destruction of wildlife and habitats. Here’s a detailed look at what constitutes environmental crime:


Key Aspects of Environmental Crime


Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources:

  • Illegal Logging: Unauthorized cutting down of trees, often leading to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
  • Illegal Mining: Extracting minerals without proper authorization, which can cause significant environmental degradation.
  • Illegal Fishing: Fishing without permits or in protected areas, which threatens marine ecosystems.


Pollution Crimes:

  • Dumping Hazardous Waste: Illegally disposing of toxic substances, which can contaminate soil and water sources.
  • Air and Water Pollution: Releasing pollutants into the air or water bodies beyond legal limits.
  • Wildlife Crimes:
  • Poaching: Illegal hunting or capturing of protected wildlife species.
  • Illegal Wildlife Trade: Trading endangered species or their parts, which is often in violation of international agreements like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

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