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What happened
On November 5, 2025, Interpol announced a new global initiative to combat illegal deforestation, targeting criminal networks involved in logging, timber trafficking, and gold mining. This effort, which coincides with the U.N. COP30 climate summit, aims to protect tropical forests in Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Peru. Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the need for strong international cooperation to tackle the billions of dollars generated by these illegal activities. The initiative builds on the Law Enforcement Assistance Program to Reduce Tropical Deforestation, which has evolved since its launch in 2018 to include cross-border investigations and intelligence sharing. Recent operations have already led to significant seizures and arrests related to environmental crimes, highlighting the urgency of addressing illegal mining and its impact on deforestation and pollution.
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Key insights
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Focus on Tropical Forests
The initiative primarily targets illegal activities in tropical forests across multiple countries.
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International Cooperation
The effort emphasizes the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies worldwide.
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Significant Criminal Profits
Illegal logging and mining generate billions in profits, driving the need for this initiative.
Takeaways
Interpol's new initiative represents a critical step in the global fight against illegal deforestation, aiming to protect vital ecosystems and promote accountability among offenders.