CITES 18th Conference of the Parties

In May 2017, a Helmeted Hornbill Conservation Strategy and Action Planning Workshop developed a ten-year Conservation Strategy and Action Plan calling for unprecedented levels of international collaboration and more financial resources to scale up conservation attention aimed at targeted population recovery across the species’ range. TRAFFIC urges that the draft Decision 18.AA in the document directs Parties to report on their implementation of both Resolution Conf. 17.11 and the Action Plan, so that regulatory and enforcement gaps and weaknesses can be quickly identified.

Observations of the Helmeted Hornbill trade in Lao PDR, 2016

TRAFFIC notes work already conducted in Asia and the Conservation Strategy for Southeast Asian Songbirds in Trade that has been developed. TRAFFIC recommends that Parties consider a focus on this Strategy for the draft Decision 18AA, to narrow down the scope for work and anticipated outputs by the Ani-mals and Standing Committees.

Caged in the City: An inventory of birds for sale in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, 2017

marked population declines have been observed (although in some cases wild populations rapidly decline then rebound) and the species (combining both taxa currently recognised separately by CITES) has recently been assessed as Critically Endangered. While legal trade may be declining and seizures of illegal specimens are small, trade and use is still persistent. The presence of large stockpiles outside range States as a potential avenue for illegal trade also remains a concern.

A rapid assessment of the trade in Saiga Antelope horn in Peninsular Malaysia, 2019

This document argues that the listings of marine species in CITES have not been properly implemented and until they can demonstrate conservation benefit, no further proposals should be made. TRAFFIC opposes the call for a moratorium on any further proposals for the listing of marine fish species in the Appendices and does not believe that any review of the implementation of CITES listings should just be restricted to listings of marine species.

CITES Non-detriment Findings Guidance for Shark Species:

In recent years, traffickers have in many cases shifted away from online retail platforms such as auction sites and onto “closed” social media platforms which are more difficult to monitor. TRAFFIC therefore fully supports the proposed amendments to Resolution Conf. 11.3 and draft Decisions, particularly those encouraging greater engagement with relevant online and social media platforms, search engines and e-commerce platforms.

Wildlife Cyber Crime Trends in China: Online Monitoring Results 2017-2018

TRAFFIC supports the draft Decisions proposed here, particularly an evaluation of using registered certification marks for products of CITES-listed species produced by rural communities, in line with CITES’ aims to enhance conservation and livelihood outcomes.

Succeeding with CITES: Sustainable and equitable Jatamansi trade from Nepal: Project summary

The Secretariat commissioned TRAFFIC to conduct a study to assist Parties in the development and implementation of long-term demand reduction strategies or programmes to combat wildlife trafficking. TRAFFIC fully supports the draft Decisions that would mandate the development of demand reduction guidelines for consideration by the Standing Committee.

Final Consultant’s Report: Review Of Demand Reduction Initiatives By CITES Parties, 2019

TRAFFIC welcomes Madagascar’s efforts to implement the CITES action plan (Doc.17.204), noting the progress being made is mostly on the scientific side of its provisions. TRAFFIC supports the draft Decisions in principle but notes that there are still key issues that Madagascar should address before any process towards the resumption of legal trade can start.

Timber Island: The Rosewood and Ebony Trade of Madagascar, 2017