The 61st meeting of the Standing Committee (SC61) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was held in Geneva, Switzerland from 15-19 August 2011. The meeting brought together approximately 300 participants from all over the world, representing SC members, specialized intergovernmental bodies and non-governmental organizations, and business community.
The top issues on the agenda included: relationship with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP); CITES appendices; enforcement and strategic matters; innovative financial resources and new financial mechanisms to address effectively the decline in wildlife; trade and conservation of specific species; as well as matters pertaining to implementation and interpretation of the Convention.
SC61 adopted a series of recommendations on a wide range of topics to be further discussed and elaborated by several intersessional working groups. The recommendations which feature prominently include:
(i) drafting by the relevant working group a report on revising the agreement between the CITES Secretary-General and the Executive Director of UNEP in the form of an amended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU);
(ii) establishing a CITES Strategic Vision revision working group aimed at re-evaluating the post-2010 biodiversity targets, and laying the groundwork for the development of a new Strategic Vision for post-2016;
(iii) conducting by the established competent intersessional working group a report on better accessing existing and new financial mechanisms and sources necessary for assisting parties in implementing effectively their commitments;
(iv) promoting the cooperation between international organizations engaged in CITES related activities and developing synergies between relevant Conventions;
(v) encouraging the adoption of CITES implementing legislation and considering appropriate compliance measures in priority countries;
(vi) establishing a working group with a view to presenting a draft text on possible solutions to address the challenges encountered by trade in captive-bred or ranched specimens;
(vii) conducting a study on the rationale and history of the rules applying to votes by secret ballot within CITES’ Conference of Parties (COP) with a view to increasing transparency of voting during meetings of the COPs;
(viii) enhancing the transparent discussion and fostering the open dialogue on a number of issues relating to the management, trade and conservation of specific species (i.e. illegal trade, building capacity in species range countries and population monitoring).
The established intersessional working groups are expected to report back on the above-mentioned and other similar issues at the next meeting of the Standing Committee to be held in Geneva from 23-27 July 2012.
Sources: IISD Reporting Services, CITES Convention Home Page
For further information:
http://www.iisd.ca/cites/sc61/
http://www.cites.org/
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MEPIELAN Centre
MEPIELAN Centre is an international research, training and educational centre established by Professor Evangelos Raftopoulos at the Panteion University of Athens in 2008.
Before its establishment as a University Centre, MEPIELAN operated as a successful international research, training and informational programme (2002-2007) under the scientific direction of Professor Evangelos Raftopoulos and the aegis of the Panteion University of Athens, supported by the Mediterranean Action Plan/UNEP and the Greek Ministry of the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works.
MEPIELAN Centre is an accredited UNEP/MAP PARTNER (since 2013), a Member of the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development (MCSD) (since 2016), and a Member of the Steering Committee of the MCSD (since 2019).
On 22 May 2022, MEPIELAN Centre proceeded to the development of MEPIELAN as a Non- Profit Civil Organization (INGO) for the more effective and efficient advancement of its Goals and Missions and furtherance of its activities. MEPIELAN Centre as a Non- Profit Civil Organization (INGO) is registered in Greek Law (Hellenic Business Registry, Reg. No. 16477300100) in accordance with Laws 4072/2012 & 4919/2022 as applicable
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