Highlights and images for 19 August 2019

Switzerland

Summary

Highlights for Monday, 19 August 2019

Sharks, fish, and a sea cucumber welcome delegates to the venue as the third day of CITES CoP18 continues.

In resuming the meeting, Committee II Chair Craig Hoover noted that he would refrain from singing “to the relief of all.” He then moved on swiftly through a packed agenda that the Committee tackled diligently over three sessions, including an evening one. During the discussion on Guidance materials, activities, and tools aimed at enhancing Parties’ capacity to regulate bushmeat trade many, including EU, Norway, China, and the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD) welcomed the use of the term “wild meat.” The US cautioned that the Convention should not lose sight of the negative impact of international commercial demand for wild meat.Most of the morning session and part of the afternoon session in Committee II covered agenda items related to the role of rural communities and their engagement in CITES processes. Canada highlighted ways they involve rural and indigenous local communities in CITES and other processes. She proposed that CITES issue a notification asking parties how they involve such communities in CITES processes. The EU supported the Secretariat’s proposed amendment to include rural communities in the CITES national delegation. The Namibian Association of Community-Based Natural Resource Management Support Organisations (NACSO) emphasized that rural communities are the first line of defense against poaching and their involvement is essential to conserving wildlife. The need to harmonize the terminology was also addressed. A very long discussion, addressing some of the proposed amendments by China, Namibia, and Zimbabwe to the CITES and livelihoods and other relevant resolutions, focused on whether and how to take into consideration the impact of species listing proposals on rural communities and their livelihoods. Chair Hoover struck a working group to address amendments to relevant decisions and resolutions.Committee I continued its discussions by addressing several marine species, including marine turtles, sharks, and rays. On eels, the US proposed text to clarify that traceability measures would apply to both live and dead eels. Algeria noted the country’s lack of expertise in conducting an inventory and requested technical support from the Animals Committee.On humphead wrasse, Japan drew attention to how illegal fishing activities undermine the ongoing legal trade and management work for the species. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) drew attention to the ranching practices of Indonesia, stating that there is potential for sustainable management, but that the purpose code R should not be used for this trade and practice for the species.On sharks, Peru, supported by Gabon and opposed by Japan and India, called for strengthening monitoring and improving identification of shark fin in transit. The Committee established a working group, chaired by New Zealand.Peru then introduced the document on Titicaca water frogs, noting that this species faces increasing threats from illegal international trade, despite extensive regional conservation efforts. Costa Rica, on behalf of multiple Latin American parties, appraised the conservation efforts and conveyed strong support for the document. The US, with Canada supporting, added this might be better addressed with bilateral work considering that the frog is already listed in Appendix I.Committee II reconvened in the evening to discuss agenda items on compliance and enforcement.

IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage and a summary and analysis report from CITES CoP18.

Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth

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Committee I: Species-Specific Matters
Plenary is full as discussions on species-specific matters continue.
Elisante Ombeni Leguma, Tanzania
Kim Friedman, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)
Mateus José Mutemba, Mozambique
Shonisani "Shoni" Munzhedzi, South Africa
Chair Rod Hay, New Zealand
Mark Jones, Born Free Foundation
Eugène Lapointe, IWMC World Conservation Trust
Patrick Omondi, Kenya
Daniel Fernando, Sri Lanka
Carla Louise Mousset Moumbolou, Gabon
Carole Lanteri, Monaco
Kathleen Taituave, Samoa
Monica Biondo, Foundation Franz Weber
Ilham Mohamed, Maldives
Committee II: Interpretation and Implementation Matters
Delegates during the discussions.
Chair Craig Hoover, US
Ji Wei, China
Juan Francisco García Vasquez, Guatemala
Chantal Robichaud, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Awidya Santikajaya, Indonesia
Ndumiso Nkambule, eSwatini
Elly Hamunyela, Namibia
Jessica Maria Gálvez-Durand Besnard, Peru
Germán Proffen, Argentina
Gladys Njoroge, Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association
Eugene Mutangana, Rwanda
Juan Enrique Iglesias García, Ecuador
Around the Venue
Michael Williams, CITES Secretariat, facilitates a press conference with CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero; Committee I Chair Rod Hay, New Zealand; and Committee II Chair Craig Hoover, US
Jonathan Barzdo, Independent Consultant
Kumara Wakjira, Ethiopia, speaks with delegates.
CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero (center) poses with delegates for a photo.
Delegates from Indonesia speak informally.
Abdukadir Maskaev, Tajikistan, speaks with delegates.
Delegates from Niger share a moment.
Delegates speak informally between sessions.
Aurélie Flore Koumba Pambo and Edwige Koumby Missambo, Gabon
A delegate visits the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) webpage.

Participants

Negotiating blocs
European Union