Today, we are moving away from the Balkans to share a milestone in the fight against illegal wildlife poisoning in Cyprus, where for the first time, prosecuting authorities issued a €21,000 fine for poisoning and killing wild birds. The fine represents a big step forward that will hopefully have a strong deterrent effect on poisoning […]
First illegal wildlife poisoning conviction achieved in Cyprus Read More »
On the last day of 2022, the Cinereous Vulture ‘Praha-Liberec,’ reintroduced in Bulgaria, was found dead in Greece. Based on the circumstances of the incident and the necropsy results, we suspect illegal poisoning killed the vulture. But, we are still pending the toxicology analysis results to confirm the cause of death. Released in Bulgaria to
Cinereous Vulture reintroduced in Bulgaria dies in Greece Read More »
A new animation video produced by the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) within the BalkanDetox LIFE project illustrates the serious problem of illegal wildlife poisoning in the Balkans and how the project strives to combat this threat. It’s time to stop illegal wildlife poisoning – it harms us, our animals and nature! Watch the animation video on
Animation video: It’s time to stop illegal wildlife poisoning Read More »
Four hunters were caught and prosecuted in Hungary for wildlife crime following an investigation led by the National Investigation Bureau of the Emergency Police (KR NNI). The authorities charged the hunters for the killing of ”Ichera”, a GPS-tagged Spanish Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) released in Bulgaria, and of 4 Common buzzards (Buteo buteo). In Hungary, the
Hunters prosecuted in Hungary for killing Cinereous Vulture reintroduced in Bulgaria Read More »
2022 has been another busy year for the BalkanDetox LIFE team, realising several important achievements for the project’s success in fighting illegal wildlife poisoning. The project continued to analyse the extent and scope of poisoning across seven Balkan countries while building capacities and cooperating with the relevant stakeholders to effectively monitor, manage and investigate such
BalkanDetox LIFE key achievements of 2022 Read More »
A crucial step has recently been taken in Greece toward safeguarding threatened species like vultures against illegal poisoned baits! After years of efforts, the new Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) regarding the problem of wildlife poisoning has been issued thanks to our Greek project partners at the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) and other institutions. This JMD outlines the necessary
More than 30 professionals from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa recently specialized in the forensic and police investigation of wildlife crime to improve investigation and prosecution results in their respective countries after participating in the Level 2 Advanced Course of the Wildlife Crime Academy. Wildlife crimes like poisoning and poaching can disrupt natural ecosystems,
Boosting capacities to improve wildlife crime prosecution across 13 countries Read More »
The Green Fund with its Board Decision No. 1242.4/2022 co-finances the LIFE19 GIE/NL/001016 – BalkanDetox LIFE Project for the year 2022 with the total amount of €12,000.00 for the implementation of the Hellenic Ornithological Society / BirdLife Greece actions. The “Strengthen national capacities to fight wildlife poisoning and raise awareness about the problem in the
The GREEN FUND co-finances the BalkanDetox LIFE Project in Greece Read More »
Through CSI, forensic science and judicial processes, poisoning and other wildlife crimes can be mitigated, just like the Junta de Andalucía did in their region. Thanks to their internationally recognised procedures, our Spanish colleagues reduced illegal wildlife poisoning incidents by 80% over the last 15 years. Last week, they generously shared their best-practice experience during a ‘LIFE
Wildlife Crime Academy-inspired seminar bolsters capacities in Cyprus Read More »
The illegal use of poisonous substances in the environment to target ‘undesirable’ animals depletes biodiversity and threatens public health, yet it continues to go unnoticed and unpunished according to the recent Balkan Vultures Poison Study 2022 conducted within the BalkanDetox LIFE project, funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme. The illegal use of poison baits is not only a
Illegal wildlife poisoning depletes Balkan biodiversity yet only 1% of cases reach court Read More »
