Operation Fallen Angel
Operation Fallen Angel is a dynamic initiative targeting the illegal wildlife trade by integrating research, community engagement, and education. The OFA team provides critical support to the front-line practitioners who risk their lives to disrupt illicit networks and improve security and stability in fragile regions.
OPERATION FALLEN ANGEL
STRATEGIC OVERVIEW
Operation Fallen Angel approaches the illegal wildlife trade not only as an environmental concern but as a multifaceted issue with destabilizing consequences. By immersing ourselves in the communities most affected by this trade, our network is able to build trust and collaborate on effective strategies to combat wildlife crime and its is insidious broader effects on global security and trade.
CORE MISSION
Research and Analysis
Conduct comprehensive research on the illegal wildlife trade, identifying intersections with other forms of illicit activities, and mapping out key players in these networks.
Deployment and Fieldwork
Live and work within the communities affected by the wildlife trade, fostering trust and cooperation. This immersive approach will enable us to collaborate more effectively, sharing knowledge and resources for sustainable solutions.
Education and Engagement
Engage global stakeholder and local communities to raise awareness about wildlife conservation, empowering them to become guardians of their environment and advocates for sustainable economic strategies and resource management practices that benefit both humans and animals.
Enforcement and Disruption
Diminish the illegal economy by supporting vetted agencies, NGOs and other front-line practitioners tasked with disrupting wildlife trafficking networks. This, in turn, will improve security and stability in key regions—which will further reduce receptivity to wildlife trafficking and other corrosive illicit activity.
2023 in Review
In 2023, we have contributed over 500 volunteer hours from 10 volunteers on four continents who traveled over 20,000 collective miles to advise and assist counter-wildlife trafficking units in Africa. Some wins our network facilitated:
Recruited a 5 person OSINT research and analysis team with reach back and intelligence sharing relationships for forward deployed CWT investigators.
Provided strategic advice to C-suite and Board level personnel at major conservation agencies and NGOs.
Enchanced situational awareness, geospatial data acquisition, secure communications and advanced training for high-performance anti-poaching ranger units in Africa.
And the year isn’t over yet…
So far, we have raised over $43,000 to fund our work. These gifts ranged in size from $100 to $21,500. Every single dollar helped us achieve our goals—and we are working to expand our donor base before the end of the year. With your help, in 2024 we want to take Operation Fallen Angel to a whole new level.