The National Times - UN members approve talks on treaty protocol against environmental crime

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UN members approve talks on treaty protocol against environmental crime

NATURE 07.11.2026

UN members approve talks on treaty protocol against environmental crime

Countries have voted to begin negotiations on an additional international protocol targeting organised environmental crime under the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

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The resolution passed at the convention’s 13th conference of parties with 83 votes in favour, 12 against and 27 abstentions. The proposed instrument would cover trafficking in wildlife and timber, illegal mining and trade in minerals and precious metals, and illicit waste trafficking.

South Africa co-sponsored the measure and argued that a dedicated protocol was needed to close legal gaps and improve cooperation against cross-border criminal networks. Its delegation said developing countries carry disproportionate social and economic costs from environmental crime.

The United States opposed assuming that a new protocol was necessary and proposed strengthening existing convention mechanisms first. The vote opens a negotiation process; the final scope and obligations will depend on subsequent talks.

D.S.Robertson--TNT

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