Green Scorpions will combat wildlife crime at airport
This is another important step by the Department of Environmental Affairs in the fight against wildlife crime
ENVIRONMENTAL management inspectors, commonly known as the Green Scorpions, had been deployed at OR Tambo International Airport to ensure compliance and to undertake enforcement action related to the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) and its regulations.
The regulations also relate to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) regulations and regulations related to the import of alien and invasive species.
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A team of 10 compliance officials will ensure that CITES export and re-export permits are endorsed after physical inspection of consignments and that CITES import permits are cancelled after use.
They will also ensure that TOPS and bioprospecting, access and benefit sharing permit conditions are complied with. Trade bans for commercial purposes relating to CITES listed species have been in place since March 19 for Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria due to non-compliance with CITES plans. The Green Scorpions need to ensure that these bans are enforced.
A team of nine enforcement officials will make sure that non-compliances with NEMBA regulations are met with enforcement action through criminal investigations, followed by prosecution and or the issuing of enforcement notices and fines.
A team of officials will also ensure that the alien and invasive species regulations are being complied with. Officials will ensure that prohibited invasive species do not find their way into the country without being detected and destroyed, where necessary.
It is envisaged that the Green Scorpions will also be deployed at some of the other designated ports of entry and exit across the country over a period of time, dependent on resources available.
The Green Scorpions will work closely with other law enforcement agencies and departments at the airport, including the police, customs, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Department of Health and Department of Home Affairs. Through joint enforcement operations, the Green Scorpions and police have already detected non-compliance with the alien and invasive species regulations related to reptiles. Such pro-active operations will take place on a regular basis.
Shops trading in the international departure hall have been checked to ensure they comply with NEMBA regulations in order for people buying CITES-listed products to comply with permit requirements. A number of shops are currently in non-compliance and enforcement action will be taken.
Permits are required for the export and import of CITES-listed species, such as cosmetic products made from Aloe Ferox and crocodile leather products, such as watch straps, handbags and belts.
The Green Scorpions will also focus their efforts on other key areas at the airport, such as the international mail centre and freight areas.
Anybody that would like to report non-compliance with environmental law can phone the environmental crime hotline on 080-020-5005.
