UAE launches 'Abu Dhabi Call to Action' on environmental crime

The UAE launched an international call for stronger action against environmental crime on Sunday during the UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi, as officials warned of growing links between offences involving natural resources and organised criminal networks.

The "Abu Dhabi Call to Action" calls for greater international cooperation, stronger joint law enforcement operations and a higher priority for tackling environmental crime globally.

It was launched by Colonel Dana Al Marzouqi, Director General of International Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, during a high-level event organised with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, INTERPOL, France and Azerbaijan.

Al Marzouqi said environmental crime is increasingly taking the form of transnational organised crime, with criminal networks exploiting natural resources for illicit profits.

She also highlighted the results of Operation Green Shield 2026, involving law enforcement agencies from several South American countries with UAE support and leadership through the International Initiative for Law Enforcement for Climate.

The operation targeted networks involved in illegal mining and logging, wildlife trafficking, fuel smuggling and the illegal seizure of land in the Amazon Basin.

The International Initiative for Law Enforcement for Climate was launched by the UAE Ministry of Interior and UNODC in 2023 and focuses on areas including specialist training, information sharing and joint operations.

Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC, said criminal groups involved in environmental offences are often connected to other illegal activities, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking.

She said existing international legal frameworks need to be supported by effective justice systems capable of enforcing them.

Representatives from INTERPOL, France and Azerbaijan also took part in the session, which focused on improving cross-border investigations and disrupting criminal networks involved in exploiting natural resources.

The event was held on the second day of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which continues at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi until October 1.