Policy Innovations The central address for a fairer globalization

A publication of the Carnegie Council

Tools for Compliance in a Networked World

Innovations Case Discussion: RENCTAS

Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, Spring 2006

Jerry Mechling

Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization

According to Mechling, Dener Giovanni's story of RENCTAS (the Portuguese acronym for National Network to Fight the Trafficking of Wild Animals) is compelling and inspiring. Using modern communications skillfully and with great personal courage, the leaders of RENCTAS have shown that a few good people can virtually move mountains, even against the money and guns of the third biggest illegal trade in the world (after illegal arms and drugs). This paper argues that key lessons from RENCTAS are about the power of the Internet to:

a) make access to services and participation in the counter-trafficking effort significantly easier and safer than it otherwise would be;

b) improve the transparency of trafficking activities, both for individual cases and the larger system; and

c) communicate the emotions of the story, supporting adroit use of video and pictures to mobilize Brazilian pride and their desire to protect their amazing native animals.

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