Tackling forest crime in West Africa – Training of trainers’ curriculum

West Africa’s forests are crucial for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of local communities. Yet, they are disappearing at an alarming rate — over 52,900 hectares lost annually between 2010 and 2020 (FAO, 2020)*. While the main drivers of deforestation in the subregion are small-scale agriculture and small-scale logging, forest-related crimes (such as Illegal logging and timber trafficking) are also linked to the decline of forests (Lourenço, A., et al. 2025). 

Forest crimes cost the global economy USD 51–152 billion annually (Chasi, R.M. 2025, p.13), with 50–90% of the timber trade in West Africa estimated to be illegal (Chasi, R.M. 2025, p.8). These crimes not only deplete natural resources but also erode state revenues, weaken governance, and fuel organized criminal networks.  

A new training curriculum promotes integrated strategies combining legal, technological, community-based, and regional approaches to combat forest crime in West Africa and protect vital ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. 

How the training curriculum was done 

Within the umbrella of the regional project “Global Transformation of Forests for People and Climate: A Focus on West Africa”, the curriculum addresses the main challenges in West African countries identified through stakeholder interviews, legal valuations, and literature reviews.  

The curriculum is structured into 4 core modules, covering I) forest crimes and their impacts; II) International legal frameworks, with a focus on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); III) Investigative systems and evidence collection; and IV) Transnational cooperation and learned lessons. 

The main causes of forest crime 

Among others, illegal logging, illicit timber trafficking, and wildlife poaching represent the main causes of forest crime in West Africa. Their persistence is due to: 

1. High demand for valuable timber species. 

2. Weak legal frameworks and outdated forestry laws in several countries. 

3. Corruption and political patronage, undermining enforcement and prosecution. 

4. Wood fuel dependency, with 85% of household energy consumption relying on forests. 

5. Porous borders and limited cross-border coordination, enabling large-scale smuggling. 

These drivers have significant environmental, economic, and social impacts, from biodiversity loss and carbon emissions to reduced livelihoods and weakened rule of law. 

Solutions 

1. Strengthening Legal and Policy Frameworks 

West African countries have made significant progress in improving forest governance and addressing cross-border forest crimes. This has been achieved in part by fostering dialogue among ECOWAS member states and adopting regional instruments such as the ECOWAS Convergence Plan for the Sustainable Management and Use of Forest Ecosystems (2013). 

However, further efforts are needed to promote sustainable forest practices across borders within the region. Strengthening the coherence of forest-related legal and institutional frameworks, as well as enhancing law enforcement, are essential pillars of the ECOWAS Convergence Plan and critical to effectively combat forest crimes.  

2. Building Enforcement and Investigative Capacities 

For laws to be respected, combating forest crime requires well-equipped, skilled, and coordinated enforcement teams. Many forestry agencies face resource constraints, outdated tools, and limited investigative expertise. 

3. Harnessing Technology for Monitoring and Enforcement 

This is where technological innovations can play a transformative role, particularly in relation to how forest crimes are monitored and addressed. 

In this regard, FAO has recently introduced several tools under its Open Foris platform, including I) Collect Earth Online and Arena Mobile for near-real-time deforestation monitoring; II) Digital timber tracking systems to ensure legality along the supply chain, and III) satellite-based alerts to detect illegal logging and land-use changes. 

4. Empowering Local Communities 

Involving communities in decision-making, law development, and enforcement processes, and benefit-sharing is crucial to strengthen forest protection, reduce deforestation, and dependence on illegal activities. 

5. Fostering Regional and International Cooperation 

Being transboundary by nature, forest crimes require coordinated regional action, including I) cross-border enforcement mechanisms, such as joint patrols and intelligence-sharing platforms; II) leveraging global frameworks such as CITES, the EU-FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements, and the West African Strategy to Combat Wildlife Crime and III) collaborating with international organizations — FAO, INTERPOL, UNODC, and the African Development Bank —, development of capacities,  promoting legal harmonization and coordinated responses to cross-borders illegal practices.  

Conclusion 

Sustainable solutions to halt forest crime in West Africa will require political will, adequate resources &knowledge, tailored legal responses, and inclusive partnerships at every level. Protecting West Africa’s forests is not only a regional priority — it is a global imperative for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the well-being of future generations. 

To dive deeper into the challenges and responses to tackle forest crimes in the region, consult the training curriculum published by FAO in English and French. 

*The updated value will be available in the new edition of the “Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025”, which will be released in October at the following link https://doi.org/10.4060/cd6709en.