Press release CITES CoP20 n°11
Of the 185 countries that are signatories to CITES, 165 were present (157 had the right to vote after being accepted by the Credentials Committee). The CoP20 registered a record participation. Wars, financial shortages and diplomatic rows have not prevented CITES from thriving. The protection of biodiversity is a unifying lever. For example, the listing of frogs of the genus Pelophylax in Appendix II, proposed by the European Union, North Macedonia and Israel, brought together the votes of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America.
Sandra Altherr and Charlotte Nithart, initiators of the frog proposal © DR
Robin des Bois (Robin Hood) published eight press releases during these 12 captivating days, during which the entire team was, in a sense, held captive.
On Thursday December 4, during a catch-up session, the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) accessed Appendix II by consensus after having been refused entry to Appendix I (see press release n°7), but Tajikistan insisted and obtained what is more than a consolation price. Its plea ultimately paid The rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea) accessed Appendix II (see press release n°10). Upon Pakistan’s insistence, the guggul shrub (Commiphora wightii) finally accessed Appendix II for raw products (gums, resins and essential oils) (see press release n°5) with however an exemption for dietary supplements and other miracle potions that are widely traded internationally.
Namibia’s proposal to authorise the export of white rhino horns belonging to the government and Namibian ranch operators to trading partners certified by the CITES Secretariat as having sufficient national legislation and domestics trade controls, with a maximum export quota of 200 kg/year, was rejected despite the support of seven African countries (Botswana, Eswatini, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe), China, and Kazakhstan, which is definitely a stubborn defender of international trade in horns (see saiga horns, press release n° 7). The similar proposal concerning black rhino horns was also rejected despite the support of four African countries (Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe). The proposal to authorise the export of African elephant Loxodonta africana tusks under the same conditions was rejected, notably thanks to the opposition of Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mali, Niger, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Togo, the European Union and the United States of America.
The Samarkand fiasco is undoubtedly the rejection of the proposal by the European Union and Panama to list all eels of the world’s oceans in Appendix II (see press release n°6).
The debate over the endangered Brazilwood has sparked violent and insulting reactions from elitist luthiers, bow makers and violinists towards Robin des Bois and intimidating the professionals who, rejecting colonial exploitation, are turning to European woods or other materials. The fly in the ointment that shattered Brazil’s initial proposal came from a last-minute intervention by French President Emmanuel Macron with his “friend” Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. As a result, Brazil agreed to a working group proposed by the European Union, and Brazilwood escaped Appendix I while remaining firmly locked in a reinforced Appendix II (see press releases n°1, 2, 4 and 9).
CoP21 will be held in Panama in 2028.
See Robin des Bois publications on CITES CoP20 in Uzbekistan
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“On the Trail”, the information and analysis magazine on endangered animals poaching and smuggling, published since July 17, 2013, has contributed, through its reports and global monitoring, to the acceptance of 10 proposals for listing in Appendix I (prohibition of international trade) and 9 proposals for listing in Appendix II (regulation of international trade).
“On the Trail” (English version) / “A la Trace” (French version) is sent to customs authorities, other authorities concerned with trafficking, and CITES officers worldwide (6,000 recipients).
“On the Trail” is financially supported by the Fondation Franz Weber, the Fondation Brigitte Bardot, donors and members of Robin des Bois, and sponsorship from the Séché Group.
Franz Weber † and Brigitte Bardot, 1977. Campaign against seal hunting in Canada © FFW
The Fondation Franz Weber is now headed by Vera Weber.
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