Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
CITES 2013 – Bangkok, 7.00 pm (local time)
Press release # 6
The United States, Russia, and the European Union take plenary session this week for the 16th CITES assembly. “A joint proposition for polar bears!” such is Robin des Bois’ message for Bangkok.
This new, last resort proposal could ban international polar bear trade concerning eight declining subpopulations. It would be less restrictive than the Appendix-I ban on international trade for all polar bears, and would therefore be more likely to collect more votes than the initial proposal by the United States. The decline of some subpopulations is recognized by all, including Canada. In 1991, Canada regarded the fate of polar bears as something which raised serious concerns. Polar bears in the western part of the Hudson Bay are especially targeted.
This proposal could also, in accordance with the wishes of the European Union, request that all countries in the area update their data on the polar bear populations which development is unknown. The previous censuses are old, and do not match the abundant scientific readings warning us about the future of the species. The polar bears reproductive cycle is seriously disturbed by chemical contaminations that converge to the glacial Arctic Ocean and accumulate into polar bears preys. Sadly polar bears hold the highest PCB level record – PCB being Persistent Organic Pollutants.
After hunting, the Inuits and other local communities share polar bear meat, and poison themselves.
Robin des Bois and all the Ursus maritimus defenders are respectful of the Inuit culture. However, this is both an illusion and a cruelty to rely on hunting and trade of endangered species for a lasting contribution to collective prosperity. Economic statistics show that the Nunavut territory controlled by the Inuit has a significant potential for economic development. Today, the polar bear culture, based on their observation and sculptures produce far higher revenue compared to hunting and trade.
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