Conclusions and policy implications

As this review of legislation has shown, there is a certain level of criminalization to protect the environment, with more than half of all Member States analysed criminalizing criminalizing violations of all nine environmental areas. Yet, there is still scope for environmental legislation to continue to be improved in terms of more Member States drafting and implementing legislation to protect the environment and more Member States considering having penalties that meet the threshold of a serious crime for the purposes of UNTOC. Nevertheless, today, in most countries in the world, violations of environmental legislation can result in a prison sentence. Violations of waste offences and wildlife offences have the highest levels of criminalization, perhaps due to the existence of international conventions relevant to these areas. Waste crime is also an area where the liability of legal persons (such as corporations) is recognized in over three-quarters of countries. In contrast, only 19 countries have known liability for legal persons regarding illegal fishing and 20 for illegal logging, two crimes in which corporate malfeasance is common, indicating economic interests may be blocking efforts to better protect the environment.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions