In its first year, the Transnational Organised crime programme focused on trafficking in fauna and flora, which involves the illegal acquisition, trade, import, export, processing, possession, and consumption of wild animals, animal parts, and plants. Such trafficking contributes to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and the depletion of scarce renewable resources for many countries and their populations.

As endangered species become scarcer, their commercial value increases, incentivizing further illegal activities. Regulated and prohibited trades in fauna and flora offer opportunities for circumventing laws through falsified documents, undermining government revenues and the rule of law. When linked to organized crime, violence, corruption, or armed conflict, trafficking can destabilize national governments and threaten regional security.

Despite its significant consequences, combating illegal trade in wildlife, animal parts, and plants is not a priority in many countries. Existing policies, laws, and enforcement measures are often insufficient, underdeveloped, or poorly implemented. High global demand for wildlife and plant material fuels large-scale criminal activity, with significant profits made from illegal fauna and flora trading.

Gaps in domestic and international control regimes, challenges in identifying illegal commodities, and complex trafficking routes have hindered efforts to effectively address the trade. Corruption within wildlife and forestry sectors further exacerbates the problem.

International organizations and non-government groups have initiated efforts to address wildlife and forest crime, but political commitment and operational capacity are insufficient. A lack of universal terminology, common understanding, and a globally accepted strategy hinder progress. Additionally, there is a scarcity of credible expertise and scholarship on this issue.