66th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

SC66 met today for the last day of deliberations sailing swiftly through the last remaning agenda items and reviewing the remaining reports, draft decisions and resolutions of the various working groups that met throughout the week.

In his closing remarks, CITES Secretary-General John Scanlon acknowledged there were challenging issues on the agenda but expressed appreciation for the collegiate way Parties interacted with each other and the Secretariat. He thanked staff members leaving the Secretariat and welcomed newcomers, noting working with CITES is not a job but a vocation. He concluded by welcoming the news that Tajikistan had acceded to the Convention effective 30 March 2016.

Many countries expressed appreciation for the work done during the week. China said CoP17 will benefit from the close relations developed at SC66. Indonesia lauded the camaraderie and spirit of cooperation for enhancing common endeavors. SSN reflected positively that the mood at meeting had been “to get thing done” and this will stand CITES in good stead for CoP17.

Chair Størkersen drew the meeting to a close at 5:20 pm.