Environmental protection is a priority in Peru, especially in regions such as Tumbes, where vast areas of forest and significant fishing activity face constant threats from crimes including wildlife trafficking, illicit fishing, mining, and construction, among other activities. In response to this reality, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative’s (ABA ROLI) Justice Sector Support Project II (JSSP-2) recently implemented a workshop on “Criminal Investigation Techniques in Environmental Crimes” to strengthen the fight against environmental degradation through strengthening the knowledge and capacities of judges, prosecutors, attorneys, and other officials.
ABA ROLI Workshop Strengthens the Criminal Investigation Capabilities of Justice Operators to Protect Ecosystems in Northern Peru
A presentation during the workshop for judges, prosecutors, police, attorneys, and other officials.
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Funded by the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), JSSP-2 aims to build on the success of its predecessor, a five-year INL-funded Justice Sector Support Project which was implemented from 2016 to 2021. The new project began in February 2022 and targets several regions and all 34 judicial districts of Peru. The program’s objectives are to support Peruvian authorities’ efforts to consolidate and build on judicial reforms; improve Peru’s capacity to combat complex crimes; prevent and detect corruption in justice sector institutions; and support the strengthening of equitable and fair access to justice, especially for vulnerable populations and indigenous communities.
Between October 23 and 25, ABA ROLI hosted the workshop with national and international experts in the Tumbes region, with judges, prosecutors, police, attorneys, and other officials in attendance. Among the specialists were a Brazilian prosecutor, Alex Fernandes Santiago, a specialist in illegal mining; and Peruvian lawyers including Percy Grandez Barrón, an expert in fisheries law; and Julio Guzmán Mendoza, an expert in the fight against illegal mining.
The experts shared technical and legal knowledge to combat illegal fishing, illegal mining, illegal logging in dry forests, pollution, and others. The group delved into topics including the illegal extraction and trafficking of marine species, illegal construction of vessels, wildlife trafficking, surveillance and control of controlled chemical inputs, and others.
A fundamental pillar of the workshop were practical lessons with simulated activities. During the third day, participants went to a fishing landing stage to witness the application of regulations in artisanal fishing. After this they went to a dry forest area, where the process of collecting evidence in case of contamination by wastewater was simulated. These interactive learning activities allowed participants to apply investigative techniques in scenarios where these crimes occur in order to ensure the protection of hydrobiological, water, forestry, and other resources.
“This workshop represents an important effort toward a justice system committed to combating environmental crime by prosecuting and punishing the perpetrators of these crimes,” said Raúl Callirgos Velarde, ABA ROLI’s Country Director for Peru.
Results and Commitment
Among the milestones of this joint activity was the commitment of the Specialized Environmental Prosecutors' Offices, with the participation of a variety of regions including Amazonas, Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Piura, Sullana, and Tumbes. Entities, such as the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE), also exchanged technical knowledge with the JSSP-2 and participants. This workshop was an opportunity to build on the success of JSSP-2 and expanded the partners and participants of the program, together working toward the shared goal of enhancing environmental protection across Peru.