Outcome of COP19 CITES

The 19th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was held from November 14th to 25th, 2022, in Panama.

Context:

The main objective of this meeting is to determine which species will be listed or removed from CITES Appendices I and II. These appendices determine the level of protection of the species and the required documents to trade them.  

• Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants. toutes les espèces menacées d'extinction. Their trade is only allowed under exceptional conditions.
• Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. 
• Appendix III is a list of species included at the request of a Party that already regulates trade in the species and that needs the cooperation of other countries to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation. The procedure for making changes to Appendix III is distinct from that for Appendices I and II, as each Party is entitled to make amendments unilaterally.  

The negotiations were held under the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union. France contributed to the determination and preparation of the EU's positions for this COP. 

Outcome:

Delegates adopted 46 of the 52 proposals put forward to increase or decrease controls on international trade in wildlife and wildlife products. 

In addition, a record 365 decisions were adopted to advance protection of threatened wildlife species while at the same time allowing international trade. To this end, they have expanded the scope of Appendix II of the Convention, especially regarding marine species. 

In total, 100 species of sharks and rays, 50 species of turtles, several species of songbirds, 160 species of amphibians and 150 species of trees have been placed under CITES control to ensure their sustainability in the wild while allowing international trade.