South Africa to host CITES COP17

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A CITES Notification to the Parties provides specific details about the strict deadlines for the submission of documents for the upcoming meeting.

The decision follows an offer by South Africa to host the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP17) which was accepted by acclamation at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Bangkok, March 2013). Following discussions with the South African authorities and the finalisation of an open bid process, the host city has been announced.

South African Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa said, "Four decades since South Africa became a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the 17th Conference of Parties to CITES will take place on South African soil. We look forward to welcoming CITES Parties and observers to our beautiful country."

Robust discussions

Molewa urged delegates to use the opportunity to engage in robust discussions and come up with resolutions that take forward the work already underway around the trade in flora and fauna. Molewa also invited delegates to experience South Africa's biodiversity and embrace the country's diverse cultural and historical heritage.

In convening CoP17, CITES secretary-general John E. Scanlon said, "South Africa was amongst the first states to join CITES, just a few months after it came into effect in 1975, and the country has been a very active participant in the work of the convention ever since. It is a highly appropriate location for the COP given the frontline wildlife challenges and opportunities being tackled on the African continent. Africa is home to a vast array of CITES-listed species and South Africa is globally recognised for 'the Big Five'. Holding the COP in such surroundings should inspire all delegates, and CITES parties and observers look forward to meeting in South Africa in 2016 for the world wildlife conference," added Scanlon.

This will be the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES held on the African continent since CITES came into force on 1 July 1975, but the first on the continent since 2000.

CITES regulates international trade in over 35,000 species of plants and animals, including their products and derivatives, ensuring their survival in the wild with benefits for the livelihoods of local people and the global environment. The CITES permit system seeks to ensure that international trade in listed species is sustainable, legal and traceable.

CITES was signed in Washington D.C. on 3 March 1973.

For information, go to www.cites.org.