The Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was held from 2 to 15 June 2007. One of the issues relevant to BioTrade activities with CITES-listed species is the question of positive incentive measures.

On Friday, 8 June, the Secretariat introduced the document on incentives for implementation of the Convention (CoP14 Doc.32) proposing decisions to, inter alia, continue cooperation with UNCTAD’s BioTrade Initiative. The EU, Uganda and Switzerland supported the proposal, while Argentina, the US, Brazil, Australia and Venezuela opposed, stating that the issue should not be considered further as it is not directly relevant to CITES. The decisions were put to a vote and approved by 51 to 22 votes.

On Thursday, 14 June, Brazil sought successfully to reopen the debate in plenary, and supported by Argentina, presented amendments to the document, inter alia, for the parties, rather than the SC, to consider practical ways to enhance stakeholder engagement in the implementation of the Convention; and deleted references to placing “particular emphasis on the local communities and the private sector,” and for the cooperation with UNCTAD to focus on enhancing the livelihoods of poor people. The decisions, including Brazil’s amendments, were adopted by consensus.

Final Outcome

The CoP (CoP14 Doc.32 Annex, and CoP14 Plen.4) encourages parties to develop incentive measures for the effective implementation of CITES and include relevant details in their biennial reports; and requests the Secretariat to continue cooperating with UNCTAD’s BioTrade Initiative to ensure the conservation of wild species subject to international trade; and promote private sector compliance with CITES requirements and national legislation