The last decade and a half have seen an alarming surge in illegal wildlife trade (IWT) on the internet. However, a dearth of data regarding the scale of the market, its dynamics, operations and ramifications, especially on a global scale, is a significant hindrance to combating this crime.

To address this, ECO-SOLVE has developed a Global Monitoring System (GMS) to systematically monitor global online IWT and gather data to feed into law enforcement activity and to inform policymaking. The GMS is a network of data hubs in countries whose domestic online markets are considered the largest or most consequential in their regions. National monitoring nodes are being set up in a staggered process and the size and scope of the network will grow with each edition of the Global Trend Report.

This report draws on data from November 2024 to January 2025 from data hubs in Brazil, South Africa and Thailand. By identifying areas of high pressure on endangered species and ecosystems, monitoring may enable targeted interventions and inform law enforcement action to prosecute those responsible for wildlife crimes. Additionally, monitoring can help detect emerging trends and shifts in the trade, allowing for timely and effective responses to new threats and challenges.

This is the fourth publication in a series of Global Trend Reports that aim to showcase and contextualize trends in online IWT. Reports will be published throughout the three years of the ECO-SOLVE project, with two to four reports per year. Drawing on findings generated by the GMS, each Global Trend Report will highlight the latest trends in statistical data, including the number of advertisements found, the species advertised and the platforms that host these adverts. Diving deeper into individual topics, the reports will offer regional breakdowns and include sections that contextualize and analyze findings, while also investigating changes in regulations and their effects on online IWT as well as trends in law enforcement. The reports will also discuss case studies of online IWT.

Following the structure of the previous Global Trend Reports, the fourth issue begins with a trend analysis of online IWT drawing on data from regular monitoring carried out between November 2024 and January 2025 by GMS data hubs in Brazil, South Africa and Thailand. The report then dives into maritime and marine IWT, how technology can be leveraged to enhance counteractive measures, and the role of the GMS in strengthening maritime and marine IWT intelligence for law enforcement and other stakeholders.

ECO-SOLVE leads the charge against environmental crime with its global, collaborative, data-driven approach. Our mission: transform data insights into impactful action; support law enforcement to disrupt illicit flows; empower communities; shape effective global policies. ECO-SOLVE is an EU-funded project within the Global Illicit Flows Programme.

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