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The CAFTA-DR region, a bridge between North and South America, is home to numerous interesting and exotic animal and plant species. Trade in species, some endangered, together with habitat loss and other factors threatens the region’s biodiversity and challenges its ability to protect and conserve its environment.
For these reasons, Combating Illegal Trade in Endangered Species is one of three focus areas under Theme B, “Biodiversity and Conservation”. Our activities to stem illegal trade relate closely to the other Theme B priorities, Protecting Wildlife and Promoting Sustainable Ecosystems Management.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is the primary tool for combating illegal trade in wildlife. A voluntary international agreement between governments, CITES aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It provides a global framework for protecting designated or “listed” species of animals and plants.
All CAFTA-DR governments have agreed to be bound by CITES. To realize the full benefits of CITES, however, CAFTA-DR countries must
- Legislation. Adopt domestic legislation and establish responsible agencies to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level, by means of a permitting system to govern all import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea of CITES-listed species
- Authorities. Designate Management Authorities in charge of administering the permitting system, and one or more Scientific Authorities to advise on the effects of trade on the status of the species
- Enforcement. Develop adequate enforcement capacity
Our Program provides a range of regional and country-specific capacity building Activities—workshops for government officials, training and technical assistance—to assist countries in meeting these CITES legislative, administrative and enforcement requirements.
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Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
