O batalhão de polícia ambiental da polícia militar do Maranhão: a importância do combate ao tráfico de animais silvestres na ilha de São Luís

Abstract

Man has a fundamental role in the relationship with the environment, which can be an instrument of protection or, unfortunately, of destruction, and in this respect the State has the protection of natural resources, exercising it through its institutions to equip it to guarantee conservation environmental, thus protecting wildlife, forest, river, historical and cultural resources, which are connected in a relationship of interdependence and complementation. Among these institutions, the Environmental Police Battalion (BPA) is located in the state of Maranhão, a multifaceted unit that acts in various functions related to the environment, outlining strategies for preventing and coping with illegal activities that undermine the collective right of an environment. ecologically balanced and healthy, and among the important elements necessary for the balance of biodiversity, are wild animals, which have important functions in nature and therefore must be preserved. Therefore, in order to learn about the policy to combat wild animal trafficking carried out by the Environmental Police Battalion on the island of São Luís, an interview was conducted with the unit commander, to identify the guidelines adopted for the protection of wild fauna, where it is possible to verify that repressive and preventive measures are taken. Documentary analysis of a report issued by Ibama was also carried out, where it is possible to verify the number of animals seized by BPA in 2019 and the performance of the work carried out by the unit in recent years