Environmental crime is a complex area that requires cooperation between several institutions and authorities. Effective action depends not only on the responsibilities of individual institutions, but also on how these institutions communicate, coordinate and work together in practice.

Combating environmental crime starts with identifying a violation and gathering evidence to referring a case and following it through the justice system. Strengthening that cooperation was at the centre of a multi-agency workshop organised by EUPOL COPPS on 15 September in Ramallah.

Representatives of the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP), Customs Police, Palestinian Environment Quality Authority (EQC), Palestinian Public Prosecution, municipalities, and EUPOL COPPS discussed how the different actors can work more effectively as part of a coordinated response to environmental crime.

The PCP, EQA and the Public Prosecution drew on their respective roles and experiences, focusing on practical cooperation and identifying challenges. They identified gaps or overlaps, existing strengths, good practices and discussed how to overcome such obstacles.

Common priorities for further cooperation, including possible joint training, capacity-building, technical exchanges, and other joint activities were identified.

The workshop, which served as an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships, is part of EUPOL COPPS’ continued engagement with Palestinian counterparts on combating environmental crime.