Scientists to advance agenda for conservation of corals, big cats

Geneva, July 7 (IANS) Global wildlife trade rules are only as sustainable as the science that underpins them. For over 50 years, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), scientific expertise has bridged policy decisions and their implementation.

From assessing impacts on wild populations and their roles in ecosystems to identifying research and capacity-building priorities, scientific experts provide critical knowledge, evidence, recommendations, and credibility to translate global commitments into action and ensure that trade is not detrimental to the survival of species in the wild.

Following the 20th World Wildlife Conference in November 2025 (20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES, CoP20) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, nations have agreed to a substantial programme of, inter alia, scientific and technical work to continue strengthening the effective implementation of CITES. They must now implement the three Resolutions, over 350 decisions and 76 species listings adopted through amendments to the CITES Appendices before the next 21st World Wildlife Conference, due to take place in 2028.

From 13-17 July, the 34th meeting of the CITES Animals Committee (AC34) will convene global scientific experts in Geneva to advance this new global scientific and technical agenda and discuss conservation progress and plans for the sustainable management and trade of corals, sharks and rays, eels, big cats, vultures, and amphibians, among other fauna.

To date, 73 governments and 79 observer organisations have registered for the meeting, with a total of almost 500 expected participants.

CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero said science brings conservation commitments to life and drives solutions that aim to ensure trade sustainability and species survival.

She added that as they commence this new intersessional period, CITES Parties will not only set the course for strong, evidence-backed implementation of the Convention and the outcomes of the Conference of the Parties in Uzbekistan, but also contribute critical advancements towards the CITES Strategic Vision 2021-2030, the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Amir Hamidy, Director of the CITES Scientific Authority of Indonesia (National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN), is expected to be confirmed as the Chair of the Animals Committee and the first representative of the Asia region to lead the Committee.

Under his chairmanship, AC34 will bring together scientific experts for four days of plenary discussions, in-session working groups, and technical deliberations focusing on a broad range of fauna, from deep-water sharks and big cats to reptiles and amphibians.

The committee is also expected to establish several working groups to advance key mandates between AC34 and AC35 and to maintain momentum in implementing CoP20 decisions. The committee will select new species and country combinations for review under the Review of Significant Trade (RST), the Convention’s primary mechanism for ensuring that trade in Appendix II species remains sustainable, while also reviewing progress on combinations selected at earlier meetings.

Since the publication of the new CITES Non-Detriment Findings (NDF) Guidance, encouraging progress has been made by Parties subject to review under the RST in implementing the recommendations of the Animals Committee, including having recommendations to suspend trade lifted and cases removed from the review process.

–IANS

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