The agreement aligns with the mandates, strategic priorities, and programmatic work of both UNODC and IUCN, while supporting the implementation of relevant UN and IUCN Resolutions that call for strengthened global action against crimes that affect the environment and safeguarding human rights.

Environmental defenders, including Indigenous Peoples, local communities, rangers, whistleblowers and climate advocates are increasingly at risk – this partnership reinforces the shared commitment of both organisations to support safer, more just conditions for those protecting nature on the front lines.

“Crimes that affect the environment do more than just damage nature; they threaten livelihoods, harm communities, and undermine the rule of law. Tackling these crimes requires strong partnerships that bring together science, policy, and law enforcement action. That is why I am pleased to launch this partnership with IUCN, combining their scientific and conservation expertise with UNODC’s mandate to uphold the rule of law, facilitate international cooperation and strengthen criminal justice systems. Together, we can build a stronger global front against these transnational crimes and help protect both people and the planet today and for generations to come,” said UNODC Executive Director Monica Juma.

“This renewed collaboration reflects the growing recognition that environmental crime is one of the most significant threats to biodiversity, ecosystem integrity and human wellbeing. It fuels corruption, undermines the rule of law, and places immense pressure on the communities and individuals working on the front lines to protect nature. By bringing together IUCN’s scientific expertise and UNODC’s leadership in criminal justice, we can strengthen the global response to environmental crime and support countries to take action in preventing these crimes, building more effective legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms and international cooperation. At a time when these crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, organised and transnational, partnerships such as this are essential to protecting nature, supporting environmental defenders, and safeguarding a more sustainable future for all,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General.

Under a joint workplan, IUCN and UNODC will collaborate in international policy and legal areas, supporting Member States and contributing to relevant treaties, conventions and global initiatives. By combining IUCN’s scientific expertise with UNODC’s mandate on crime prevention and criminal justice, the partnership will help countries reinforce legal frameworks and enhance cross‑border cooperation.

A major focus is on enhancing criminal justice and law enforcement capacity. IUCN will provide scientific input to support UNODC’s efforts to integrate biodiversity data into legal tools, monitoring systems, and crime prevention strategies. The partnership opens opportunities for joint training initiatives to equip customs officers, police, coast guards and prosecutors with the knowledge needed to detect, prevent and prosecute environmental crimes. It also provides a framework for supporting countries in their efforts to strengthen national legislation and enforcement mechanisms.

The partnership further prioritizes data sharing and joint research. By analysing trends, monitoring high-risk areas and drawing on each organisation’s tools and databases, IUCN and UNODC will work together to develop innovative indicators and methodologies to better understand crimes that affect the environment, including wildlife use and trade, as well as trends, risks and emerging threats across relevant sectors.