CoP 19 of CITES

From 14-25 November, 2022, the 19^th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP 19) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was held at Panama City.

Key Highlights: Proposals: Several proposals were put forward that would affect the regulations on international trade for: sharks, reptiles, hippos, songbirds, rhinos, 200 tree species, orchids, elephants, turtles and more.

• Sea Cucumbers: The Conference accepted a proposal to include sea cucumbers in Appendix II of the Convention.
• European Eels: The draft decision of the CoP 19 asked for strengthening coordination between countries exporting and importing European eels and for improving traceability and effective enforcement measures for trade in the species.
• Shisham: India’s Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) was included in Appendix II of the Convention, thereby requiring it to follow CITES regulations for the trade of the species.
• However, in a development that would boost Indian handicraft exports, a relief was provided by easing the CITES rules for export of Dalbergia sissoo based products.
• Jeypore Hill Gecko: India’s proposal for the inclusion of Jeypore Hill Gecko in CITES Appendix II was approved.
• Fresh Water Turtle: India’s proposal for induction of fresh water turtle Batagur kachuga earned wide support of the parties in CoP 19 of CITES.