Transcript The Eradication of Illicit Crops

The Eradication of Illicit
Crops
(and alternative agricultural development)
http://www.un.org/ga/20special/presskit/the
mes/altdev-6.htm
Definitions
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Eradication = to remove or destroy
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Illicit = illegal
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Coca leaf: makes cocaine
Opium: makes heroin
Cannabis: makes marijuana
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History
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Drugs made from natural plants, like cannabis or
heroin, are the most widely abused substances in the
world. 2.5% of the whole world’s population abuse
cannabis; the most dangerous, heroin and cocaine, are
abused by 8 to 13 million people.
The illicit production and trade are detrimental to
national economies and to the social and political
well-being of nations. The money made by drug
trafficking allows them to corrupt and destabilize the
economies and institutions of countries in various
parts of the world.
Steps in the Drug Cycle
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Illegal growing of the crops
Illicit trafficking
Diversion of chemical precursors
Operation of illicit drug laboratories
Money-laundering
Organized crime
Some Countries Involved
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Illicit cultivation of cannabis happens everywhere and seems
to be stable; but production of opium and cocaine, which is
concentrated in certain areas, increased during the ‘70s and
‘80s.
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Almost 90% of opium and heroin originates in Southern Asia.
The two major opium growing countries are Afghanistan and
Myanmar, with Laos in third. Some illicit cultivation of opium
also takes place in Colombia, India, Mexico, Pakistan,
Thailand and Vietnam.
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Bolivia, Colombia and Peru are 98% of the world's coca leaf
suppliers. Small-scale cultivation also occurs in Brazil,
Ecuador and Venezuela.
More Countries…
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In the rural areas of Asia and Latin America, about
700,000 families depend on money from the
cultivation of coca leaf and opium poppy.
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The drug trade often helps them to cope with food
shortages, but economic dependence on illicit crops is
not sustainable in the long run.
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The farmers are open to exploitation at the hands of
middlemen, and face the threat of forced eradication.
Plan of Action!
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History shows that there is no single way to eliminate the
cultivation and production of illicit crops. Even when
alternative development projects are successful, some growers
keep growing.
They must understand that there is a risk associated with illicit
crop cultivation. Therefore, this plan which was considered at
the Special Session stresses the importance of integrating
alternative development programs and law enforcement
measures.
Law enforcement measures are necessary at every stage of the
drug cycle. Moreover, when organized crime is involved in
cultivation, measures such as eradication, destruction of illicit
crops and arrests may be appropriate.
More of that Plan…!
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To maximize their impact, alternative
development programs should:
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Contribute to sustainable social and economic
opportunities
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Be linked to national development planning to
ensure sustainable political and economic
integration of areas involved in illicit cultivation
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Be adapted to the conditions prevailing In a given
project area
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Be based on a community-participation approach,
involving indigenous knowledge, skills, interests
and needs. Local communities should commit
themselves to reducing illicit crops until they are
eradicated
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Contribute to the promotion of democratic values
to encourage community participation and the
development of a civic culture that rejects illicit
cultivation
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Build enduring local institutions
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Observe environmental criteria
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Enable women and men to participate equally in
the development process
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Include appropriate demand reduction measures
where a drug abuse problem exists.
Getting Everyone On Board
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The elimination of illicit crops cannot be achieved without full involvement
of the international community. Governments, international organizations,
NGOs, regional development banks and the financial sector all have a role
in this common endeavor.
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Long-term financial and political commitments are required.
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The establishment of a global monitoring system, based on commonly
agreed goals and objectives, is critical. The system would combine remote
sensing technologies with other techniques, such as ground surveys, to
provide an ongoing assessment of the impact of alternative development
programs. At the same time, monitoring of the areas at risk would prevent
the "balloon effect" from nullifying the overall impact of eradication
programs by reacting rapidly against illicit cultivation in new areas.
Alternative Agriculture
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Since these farmers in poverty are being
encouraged to stop the growth of illicit crops,
they should in turn be encouraged to grow
legal crops.
http://www.alternativeagriculture.org/
Other Websites 
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http://www.un.org/ga/20special/presskit/theme
s/altdev-6.htm
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http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/cropmonitoring/index.html