The sidelining of indigenous peoples and local communities in CITES media coverage

The sidelining of indigenous peoples and local communities in CITES media coverage DISCLAIMER: This article has been commissioned by Polar Research and Policy Initiative as part of a series of fact-checked articles about the Arctic, climate and the environment, and Indigenous issues, supported by the EMIF managed by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Its original version can …

Plenary session marks the beginning of the end of CITES CoP19

Plenary session marks the beginning of the end of CITES CoP19 Thursday, 24 November 2022, marks the beginning of the final plenary sessions of CITES CoP19. After 1 1/2 weeks of intensive discussions on 52 Proposals to amend the Appendices and numerous agenda items, the two Committees established under the Rules of Procedure of the …

CITES does not seem to value concerns for livelihoods and food security

CITES does not seem to value concerns for livelihoods and food security In a document brought forth by Botswana, Cambodia, Eswatini and Zimbabwe, the proponents aimed to include livelihoods and food security into the criteria for amending the CITES Appendices. At present, the criteria, which are set in Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17), it is …

Delivered intervention on Proposal 49 to uplist Brazil wood from Appendix II to Appendix I

Delivered intervention on Proposal 49 to uplist Brazil wood from Appendix II to Appendix I During the night session (19:00-22:00) on 17 November, the controversial Proposal no. 49, tabled by Brazil was discussed in Committee I. The proposal seeks the uplisting of Brazil wood (Paubrasilia echinata), also known as pernambuco, was discussed. Due to its …

Undelivered intervention on Agenda item 15, Participatory mechanisms for rural communities in CITES

Undelivered intervention on Agenda item 15, Participatory mechanisms for rural communities in CITES As the meeting drags on, Committee II has reached the night session (19:00-22:00) of 16 November, discussing CITES, and indigenous peoples and rural communities. Given the split view on the matter amongst Parties, the three agenda items (13-15) triggered long discussions. Respecting …

CITES Parties opt for national inclusion of indigenous peoples and not for international inclusion

CITES Parties opt for national inclusion of indigenous peoples and not for international inclusion Committee II of the 19th Conference of the Parties (CoP19) discussed the renewal of decisions that concerned the sharing of experiences of engaging indigenous peoples and local communities in the CITES decision-making and implementation processes. While, in principle, the Committee accepted …

Proposed amendments to voting rights do not fall on fertile grounds

Proposed amendments to voting rights do not fall on fertile grounds Under international law, the doctrine of one state, one vote is widespread. Also within CITES, each proposal that is tabled is voted upon by the now 186 Parties to the Convention in that manner. This means, each Contracting Party has the same right to …

A death b(l)ow to international classical live music? The proposed transfer of Pernambuco wood from CITES Appendix II to Appendix I

A death b(l)ow to international classical live music? The proposed transfer of Pernambuco wood from CITES Appendix II to Appendix I Introduction For the upcoming 19th Conference of the Parties (CoP19) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), taking place in Panama City, 14-25 November 2022, altogether …