New Research Project - “Organised crime, exploitation of the environment and of Indigenous communities: linkages and responses”
Work on a new evidence review paper by Huma Haider will explore the complex relationships between organised crime, the environment and the welfare of Indigenous populations.
Organised criminal groups have infringed upon the territorial rights of Indigenous communities for many years, exploiting natural resources for criminal gain. They have subjected Indigenous peoples to acts of dispossession, land grabbing, and forced displacement, whilst causing severe environmental deterioration. Despite this, actors involved in environmental crime often operate with impunity. Furthermore, corruption within the security and justice sectors can prevent effective prosecution of those who target Indigenous activists and land defenders.
To date, much of the research undertaken in this field focuses on either environmental crimes and the effects of organised crime on the environment, or the relationship between Indigenous people and the environment. However, there has been limited investigation into and evidence gathered on how these complex areas interlink, and further exploration can offer a more holistic discussion, practical guidance and creative solutions.
This evidence review seeks to bring together these bodies of literature to explore answers to critical questions:
What are the implications of organised crime on the environment and Indigenous communities?
What are ways to counter organised criminal exploitation of the environment and of Indigenous communities, and how can these areas be combined to further progress on these multiple fronts?
The project aims to deepen scholarship and broaden the evidence base on these areas and encourage collaboration across academic disciplines and professional silos. It will pool together concepts and evidence to promote a shared narrative and framework for thinking about, discussing and addressing organised crime, environmental crimes and violations against Indigenous communities.