Community responses to illegal wildlife trade
Hübschle, Annette (2025) Community responses to illegal wildlife trade. In: Elgar Encyclopedia of Environmental Crime
Abstract:
This entry critically examines the evolution and effectiveness of community interventions in reducing wildlife crime, with a focus on the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). It discusses the transition from traditional ‘fortress conservation’ methods, which often excluded local populations, to more inclusive strategies that engage IPLCs as autonomous leaders, partners or stakeholders (Dawson et al. 2024). Highlighting both historical and contemporary perspectives, this entry explores the multifaceted challenges and successes associated with these approaches. By engaging with concepts such as contested illegality and the socio-economic drivers behind wildlife crime, this entry underscores the complex interplay between local traditions, legal frameworks and global conservation practices. Theoretical frameworks and case studies are utilised to provide a comprehensive understanding of how community-centric responses not only contribute to wildlife conservation but also enhance the social and ecological well-being of IPLCs. This entry aims to offer insights into the significance of community involvement in contemporary conservation practices and to propose directions for future research and policy development.
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