International Environmental Law Project (IELP) Goes to CITES

NOVEMBER 15, 2002

Santiago, Chile

This amazing CITES COP 12 concluded today. For most of us, the meeting ended on a high note. In addition to approving the decisions that Committees I and II had made over the past two weeks, the delegates voted to reopen the debate on proposals to include both whale sharks and basking sharks on Appendix II (Committee I had voted not to endorse the proposals earlier in the COP).

Delegates again debated the role of CITES in regulating marine species, the conservation and trade status of these shark populations, and the likely outcomes of listing these species. For example, some countries argued that there is insufficient data documenting the need to list these species in Appendix II, Iceland argued for the third and fourth times that CITES listing wont help these species because most sharks are taken as bycatch rather than through targeted fishing efforts, and numerous other countries and NGOs supported CITES listing with data and arguments for regulated, sustainable trade.

After voting by secret ballots, the Chair announced that both proposals had been endorsed by the Plenary. A huge round of applause followed these announcements, and green folks throughout the building could be seen smiling for the rest of the session.

The mostly festive atmosphere continued, as Thailand was selected to host CITES COP 13 and the Thai delegate played a short video highlighting the sites and services that his country has to offer.

Many delegates and observers graciously thanked the Secretariat, the Chairs, the people and government of Chile, the interpreters, and each other, and the Chairs were presented with gifts from CITES and Chile. Many participants, including IELP, also took last minute photos and collected their souvenir CITES placemats.

The meeting finished a few hours ahead of schedule (which might have been the first time in two weeks!), with closing remarks from the CITES Secretary General, the Chair of the COP, and the Chilean government. The celebration starts at 8pm...

Submitted by Jennifer Amiott

Links

CITES Secretariat
Twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12)