Editorial: CITES Preview
by Jaques Berney
IWMC Executive Vice-President

The 13th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 2 through October 14. The Parties will consider some 50 proposals, the disposition of which may affect the population status of entire species, their habitats, and in some cases, the culture and livelihood of many thousands of people in many nations.

Goals of the Convention are to identify species and stocks that are at risk, as well as those that have recovered from depletion, and to consider classifying those species and stocks in a manner appropriate to their sustained success in the environment. Classifications of species and stocks in the CITES system are meant to protect them from inappropriate exploitation through international trade, and to release them from inappropriate restrictions on such trade when it becomes apparent that they can sustain increased exploitation. The role of scientists in dedicated working groups is crucial to the process, and the recommendations of these working groups should be seen as those of experts who have focused on specific data sets in each situation. Thus, there is a crocodile expert group, a group of experts that is well versed in the problems of elephant management in southern Africa, working groups on plant and timber species, coral and shellfish, and groups that may become involved with the continuing issue of cetacean management, which has not been progressively handled at the IWC.

A common theme at CITES, unfortunately, is development of polarity between proponents of scientifically supported sustainable use, and proponents of policies of no use, and consequently, no trade, in certain categories of high profile species. Elephants, big cats, turtle species, and cetaceans top this list, while substances derived from certain plant species are now beginning to receive increased attention.

IWMC has long been an active participant in the CITES process, and has published recommendations on a number of the current CoP13 proposals, based on the history of each species use, on the experts' assessment of each population status, and on the likelihood that any degree of international trade would result in an adverse impact, no impact, or in increased conservation benefit. Sometimes, the recommendation has had to take into consideration whether or not the lifting of trade restrictions on the species in question would result in harm to a look-alike species. These recommendations have all been made after thorough examination of biological data, and with consultation where appropriate on matters of the adequacy of law enforcement in range States and in importing States.

IWMC anticipates with pleasure the upcoming Conference of the Parties, and we shall be in Bangkok to once again, observe and to participate in this increasingly sophisticated scientific, economic and political process. We believe that the Parties are capable of continuing success in ensuring sustainable use of the world's natural resources, and we shall work to support this process through scientific and diplomatic channels. Good Luck and Best Wishes to all CoP13 Parties. May we all work together in the best spirit of conservation.