Between June and August 2024, the COLIBRI Project, implemented by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and funded by the European Union (EU), continued to make significant strides in strengthening the monitoring and control of General Aviation (GA) across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and West and Central Africa (WCA).
Several activities focused on enhancing international cooperation and raising awareness about the threat posed by GA, building capacities towards promoting more frequent control operations, and enhancing knowledge and subsequent use of the Geoportal to fight effectively against illicit activities perpetrated via the use of GA.
Strengthening international collaboration
The COLIBRI Project team participated in key international events held by partners, such as the EMPACT High-Risk Criminal Network (HRCN) and the international operation organized by the SEACOP VI Project. Collaboration with the maritime intelligence units from Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Senegal led to coordinated efforts and heightened controls on flights between Europe, Africa and the Americas, demonstrating the COLIBRI Project's integrated approach to tackling transnational organized crime and intermodal trafficking, which makes combined use of air, maritime and land transport.
Enhancing skills through capacity-building initiatives
Enhancing officers’ technical skills and knowledge remains a priority.
The COLIBRI Project team has initiated regular online meetings with partner countries to monitor their National Action Plans (NAPs). The first region involved in this exercise was WCA. Focal Points from the 10 WCA partner countries came together online. The main aim of the two sessions held was to assess progress with the NAPs that had been presented in February 2024 during the Regional Meeting convened in Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire), to share best practices, and to address challenges related to GA control and the use of the COLIBRI Geoportal. In addition, the online meetings facilitated valuable discussions and ensured the NAPs’ alignment with the COLIBRI Project’s four strategic objectives. One of the outcomes was the identification of challenges linked to the use of the Geoportal and, in this regard, tailored online IT support was provided in August 2024.
During its second phase, the COLIBRI Project added a further four partner countries, i.e. two per region. These new partners received foundation training on the control of GA. National training took place in Ecuador in July 2024, with 34 officials from various national agencies in attendance. The aim of the training was to strengthen local capacities in GA monitoring, thereby laying the foundations for operational activities.
Enhancing the use of technological tools and ensuring the Project’s sustainability
Efforts to improve the system and promote the use of the COLIBRI Geoportal were enhanced through the elaboration of new maintenance and support frameworks as well as policy upgrades. Activities also focused on the preparations for IT tutoring and mentoring missions, which are pivotal activities aimed at enhancing local authorities' technical skills, also in using the Geoportal.
In terms of sustainability, the development of Trainer Toolkits related to the control methodology and use of the IT tools (Geoportal and WCO CENcomm) are among the ongoing efforts to create comprehensive training resources on GA control accessible to partners, and which can be used to train new officers at the national level.
An excellent example of sustainability is the cascade training organized by partner countries including Argentina, Uruguay and Nigeria. This best practice will help mitigate challenges posed by staff turnover. In addition, the Toolkits under development will be instrumental in facilitating national cascade training by partners across the regions concerned.
Enhancing awareness, collaboration and outreach
The Project shared the first issue of the COLIBRI Monthly Geoportal Newsletter with partner countries in June 2024. The Newsletter was prepared by compiling data input into the Geoportal by partner countries. It provided insights to enhance data collection and stakeholder engagement. This initiative supports the Project's goal of fostering awareness, achieving greater collaboration and improving operational efficiency.
Looking ahead
The COLIBRI Project's concerted efforts reflect a robust and multifaceted approach to enhancing interregional GA security. Through strategic partnerships, targeted capacity building and sustained technological enhancements, the Project continues to contribute significantly to the international fight against illicit activities via GA, thus contributing to one of the WCO’s strategic goals: Protection of society.
As the Project moves forward, its focus remains on empowering partner countries, fostering collaboration and ensuring the sustainability of its initiatives.
For more information about the WCO-EU COLIBRI project please visit: colibri.wcoomd.org