You are viewing our old site. See the new one here

54th Meeting of the CITES Standing Committee
2-6 October 2006 | Geneva, Switzerland

ENB Summary

English
Español
Français

Highlights for Friday, 6 October 2006

On Friday, SC-54 addressed the remaining 20 agenda items, inter alia: national laws for implementation of the convention; enforcement matters; national reports; review of significant trade (RST); stricter domestic measures; wildlife trade policies; and economic incentives. On elephants, the SC agreed to designate Japan as a trading partner for ivory stockpiles, with any issues of concern to be brought to the attention of SC-55. The request by several Caspian range States to revisit the Secretariat’s decision on the 2006 caviar export quotas was rejected. Delegates also concluded discussions on financial matters and the legal personality of the Convention’s Secretariat. SC Chair Maquieira gaveled the meeting to a close at 6:27pm.
Financial Matters
Secretary-General Wijnstekers reported on the outcomes of the discussions in the Finance Subcommittee, and the SC approved the Secretariat’s request to draw upon the CITES Trust Fund in order to cover staff costs.
The UK suggested the Secretariat liaise with the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands regarding the finance oversight panel.
Legal Personality of the Convention’s Secretariat
Personal Effects
Switzerland voiced its reservation on the proposed text acknowledging the legal capacity of CITES Secretariat, noting it is in contravention of CITES Article XII 2 (e) “to invite the attention of the Parties to any matter pertaining to the aims of the present Convention”.
Cheung Chi-sun (Hong Kong), Personal and Household Effects WG Chair, appealed to parties for information on legislation and practice relative to personal and household effects.
Sturgeons and Paddlefish

After consultations, the SC rejected the proposal of several Caspian range States for the Secretariat to revisit the issue of 2006 caviar export quotas, on the grounds that the SC does not have the authority from the COP to decide on this matter.

Economic Incentives
RST
During discussions on economic incentives, OCEANIA opposed the recommendation to hold a sustainable trade forum in parallel with COP-14.
The SC agreed not to suspend trade in Aloe with Kenya, following Kenya’s report on domestic measures to comply with CITES listing.
Relationship between Ex Situ Production and In Situ Conservation
Closing of the Meeting
Colman Criodain (Ireland), SC Clearing House, recommended the SC put forward a proposal to COP-14 for an independent study to provide recommendations on maximizing benefits and minimizing risks of ex situ production.
HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL thanked SC Chair Maquieira for his open approach towards NGO participation at SC-54.
Related Links

Links to IISD RS coverage

| Back to IISD RS "Linkages" home | Visit IISDnet | Send e-mail to ENB |
© 2006,  IISD. All rights reserved.