Approximately 2,000 delegates from 180 countries, as well as non-governmental organisations and civil society will attend CITES CoP17, engaging in dynamic debate on issues related to the conservation and protection of plant and animal species for future generations, including rhinoceros and elephant, according to CITES.
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 aims to ensure that international trade in listed species is sustainable, legal and traceable.
The organisation of CITES CoP17 will be coordinated by the Department of Environmental Affairs in cooperation with various government departments and a local organising committee.
CITES secretary-general John Scanlon notes that South Africa was among the first states to join CITES, and that it has been a very active participant in the work of the convention ever since. “South Africa is a highly appropriate location for CoP17 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 Conference 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,” he adds.
