International and Regional Cooperation Frameworks in Combating Transboundary Environmental Crimes and Their Impact on the Sustainability of Ecosystems in Southern Libya

Abstract

This paper examines international and regional cooperation frameworks in addressing transboundary environmental crimes, with a particular focus on their impact on the sustainability of ecosystems in southern Libya, one of the most environmentally and security-fragile regions. In recent years, this area has witnessed a notable increase in various forms of environmental crimes, most prominently artisanal and illegal gold mining using mercury, hazardous waste trafficking, and illicit wildlife trade. These activities have been facilitated by the region’s harsh geography, weak border control, and institutional fragility.

The study adopts a descriptive–analytical approach, drawing on the analysis of reports issued by relevant international organizations, such as INTERPOL and the ENACT initiative, in addition to examining key international legal frameworks, most notably the Basel Convention and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The paper also reviews the national institutional framework related to combating environmental crimes. It aims to describe the mechanisms through which these crimes are perpetrated, analyze their linkage to weak transparency and institutional coordination, and assess the effectiveness of international and regional cooperation frameworks in mitigating their environmental impacts.

The study concludes that enhancing the sustainability of ecosystems in southern Libya requires the development of cross-border cooperation mechanisms, improved information sharing, and strengthened institutional and oversight capacities. Such measures are essential for reinforcing environmental governance and reducing the risks posed by transboundary environmental crimes.