The 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP19) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) will convene at a time when the health of the planet is under threat. Biodiversity is one of the main indicators of the planet’s health and the fact that so many species are thought to be at increased risk is a worrying trend.

In response, delegates to CoP19 will consider stricter trade regulations for nearly 600 species of flora and fauna, with only nine species proposed for less restrictive trade regulations. A total of 52 proposals put forward individually or jointly by 47 parties will be up for decision. 

CITES aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species. The species covered by CITES are listed in three Appendices, according to the degree of protection they need.

Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction.

Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but where trade must be controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. 

Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES parties for assistance in controlling the trade.

The CoP meets every two to three years and provides an opportunity for the parties to review progress in the conservation of species included in the Appendices; consider proposals to amend the lists of species in Appendices I and II; and recommend measures to improve the effectiveness of the Convention.

Among the issues CoP19 will consider are:

• Transfer to Appendix I of hippopotamus, straw-headed bulbul, red-crowned roofed turtle, African elephant (populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe);
• Inclusion in Appendix II of requiem and hammerhead sharks;
• Progress under the Joint CITES-CMS African Carnivores Initiative;
• Human and animal health risks from wildlife trade and COVID 19 implications on the implementation of the Convention;
• The request to Mexico to step up efforts to effectively prevent and deter illegal harvest and trade of totoaba;
• The request to Madagascar to secure the stockpiles of timber of Malagasy palisanders and rosewoods and ebony;  and
• Species issues, including West African vultures, illegal trade in cheetah, jaguar, African lion and the CITES Big Cats Task Force.

CoP19 will convene from 14-25 November 2022 in Panama City, Panama. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin will provide daily reports on the proceedings, as well as a comprehensive summary and analysis following the conclusion of the meeting.