Desert Watch: Interpol Commission Against Sand Cartels

The Interpol Commission Against Sand Cartels—also known as Desert Watch—convenes to tackle one of the most overlooked yet pressing environmental and criminal challenges of our time: the rise of sand mafias. As the global demand for sand skyrockets due to rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, organized crime groups have seized control of illicit sand mining, wreaking havoc on ecosystems, destabilizing local communities, and fueling corruption. From the disappearing beaches of Morocco to the eroded river banks of India, sand mafias operate with impunity, using bribery, violence, and black-market networks to profit from this unregulated resource market.

Delegates will formulate strategies to combat the illegal sand trade, enhance international cooperation, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms. With Interpol’s transnational reach, delegates must balance legal frameworks, environmental sustainability, and economic realities to disrupt illicit operations while ensuring fair governance of sand resources. As crisis updates unfold, delegates will need to react swiftly to emerging developments, crafting both immediate solutions and long-term policies. Those who can navigate the complexities of crime, commerce, and conservation will shape the future of resource security in a rapidly urbanizing world.