CITES world conference opens in bid for new rules on wildlife trade

Mar 14, 2010, 14:45 GMT

Doha - Delegates from around the world Saturday began two- week conference under the auspices of the 175-nation CITES in Doha to draft tougher new measures to protect the planet's endangered plant and animal life.

Some 1,500 persons representing over 170 government, non- governmental groups, businesses and indigenous peoples were attending the triennial conference of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

In opening remarks, CITES Secretary-General Willem Wijnstekers said governments had achieved many conservation successes during the 35 years of the CITES treaty but called for increased political support to meet the new challenges .

'We do not want to risk letting down the developing world in its struggle to ensure that trade in wild fauna and flora is conducted legally and sustainably,' he said according to a CITES press release as the parley got underway.

The two-week conference will be reviewing 42 proposals for improved protection of bluefin tuna, elephant populations and a wide range of sharks, corals, polar bears, reptiles, insects and plants.

Member states were to decide either by consensus or a two-thirds majority vote on measures to conserve and manage species.

The CITES conference comes in the year declared by the UN General Assembly as the international year of biodiversity.

Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, which administers the CITES Secretariat, called 2010 a 'key year' for biodiversity.

'By ensuring that the international trade in wildlife is properly regulated, CITES can assist in conserving the planet's wild fauna and flora from overexploitation and thus contribute to the improved management of these key natural assets for sustainable development,' Steiner said.

CITES said that other agenda issues in Doha would include the adoption of urgent measures to tackle illegal trade of tiger products, rhinos and other species that are on the brink of extinction.

Delegates will also review the potential impact of CITES measures on the livelihoods of the rural poor, who are at the forefront of those who use and manage wildlife.