GENETIC MONITORING OF WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING AND ENFORCEMENT DEFICITS: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY FRAMEWORK FOR BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION

Abstract

Green criminology is known to explore the silent violence of ecological degradation and its intersection with transnational organized crime. Present study aims to investigates the enforcement gap between abundant environmental legislation and limited criminal prosecution in India and globally. Using mixed-method analysis empirical data, case studies, and comparative legal review, this research demonstrates that environmental crime, including wildlife trade and trafficking, illegal mining, hazardous waste dumping and industrial pollution has evolved into a multibillion-dollar illicit industry. Despite having more than two hundred and fifty International Environmental Treaties the conviction rates remain quite low. The study reveals that weak deterrence, political interference and fragmented institutions enable corporate impunity. The study calls for recognition of “Ecocide” as an international crime. It proposes establishment of specialized environmental-crime bureaus and effective environmental criminal justice system.