Endangered Species and Biodiversity

1
Endangered Species and Biodiversity

• Jennifer Lovelace
• Elizabeth Schmid
• Joseph Zargari

2
Multilateral Conventions

• CITES
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered
  Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (www.cites.org)
  
• CBD
• Conventional on Biological Diversity
  (http//www.biodiv.org/)
  
• CMS
• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory
  Species (http//www.wcmc.org.uk/cms/)
  
• RAMSAR
• The Convention on Wetlands
• (http//www.ramsar.org/)
• WHC
• Convention Concerning the Protection of the World
  Cultural and Natural Heritage (http//whc.unesco.o
  rg/)

3
CITES

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered
  Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

4
Governing Principles and RulesEndangered
Species and Biodiversity
5
CITES HISTORY Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora

• 1963 A resolution drafted by the World
  Conservation Union called for CITES
  
• March 3, 1973 Text of the Convention was agreed
  to
  
• July 1, 1975 CITES entered into force
• November 2003 164 countries are parties to this
  treaty, making it one of the largest conservation
  agreements in history.

6
CITES How does it work? Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora

• CITES subjects international trade in specimens
  of selected species to certain controls.
  
• These require that all import, export, re-export
  and introduction from the sea of species covered
  by the Convention has to be authorized through a
  licensing system. ('Re-export' means export of a
  specimen that was imported.)

7
CITES How does it work? Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora

• The species covered by CITES are listed in three
  Appendices, according to the degree of protection
  they need.
  
• Appendix I includes species threatened with
  extinction. Trade in specimens of these species
  is permitted only in exceptional
  circumstances.
• Appendix II includes species not necessarily
  threatened with extinction, but in which trade
  must be controlled in order to avoid utilization
  incompatible with their survival.
• Appendix III contains species that are protected
  in at least one country, which has asked other
  CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the
  trade.

8
CITES Appendix 1 Specimens Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora

• An import permit issued by the Management
  Authority of the State of import is required.
  This may be issued only if the specimen is not to
  be used for primarily commercial purposes and if
  the import will be for purposes that are not
  detrimental to the survival of the species. In
  the case of a live animal or plant, the
  Scientific Authority must be satisfied that the
  proposed recipient is suitably equipped to house
  and care for it.
• An export permit or re-export certificate issued
  by the Management Authority of the State of
  export or re-export is also required.
  
• An export permit may be issued only if the
  specimen was legally obtained the trade will not
  be detrimental to the survival of the species
  and an import permit has already been issued.
• A re-export certificate may be issued only if the
  specimen was imported in accordance with the
  provisions of the Convention and, in the case of
  a live animal or plant, if an import permit has
  been issued.
• In the case of a live animal or plant, it must be
  prepared and shipped to minimize any risk of
  injury, damage to health or cruel treatment.

9
CITES Appendix 2 Specimens Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora

• 1. An export permit or re-export certificate
  issued by the Management Authority of the State
  of export or re-export is required.
  
• An export permit may be issued only if the
  specimen was legally obtained and if the export
  will not be detrimental to the survival of the
  species.
• A re-export certificate may be issued only if the
  specimen was imported in accordance with the
  Convention.
  
• 2. In the case of a live animal or plant, it must
  be prepared and shipped to minimize any risk of
  injury, damage to health or cruel treatment.
  
• 3. No import permit is needed unless required by
  national law.

10
CITES Appendix 3 Specimens Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora

• 1. In the case of trade from a State that
  included the species in Appendix III, an export
  permit issued by the Management Authority of that
  State is required. This may be issued only if the
  specimen was legally obtained and, in the case of
  a live animal or plant, if it will be prepared
  and shipped to minimize any risk of injury,
  damage to health or cruel treatment.
• 2. In the case of export from any other State, a
  certificate of origin issued by its Management
  Authority is required.
  
• 3. In the case of re-export, a re-export
  certificate issued by the State of re-export is
  required

11
CITES ExceptionsConvention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora

• The Convention allows or requires Parties to make
  certain exceptions to the general principles
  described above, notably in the following cases
  
• for specimens in transit or being transhipped
• for specimens that were acquired before CITES
  provisions applied to them (known as
  pre-Convention specimens)
  
• for specimens that are personal or household
  effects
  
• for animals that were bred in captivity
• for plants that were artificially propagated
• for specimens that are destined for scientific
  research
  
• for animals or plants forming part of a
  travelling collection or exhibition, such as a
  circus.

12
CITES How does it work? Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora

• Each Party to the Convention must
  designate
  
• one or more Management Authorities in charge of
  administering the licensing system AND
  
• one or more Scientific Authorities to advise them
  on the effects of trade on the status of the
  species.
  

13
CITES How does it work? Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora

• A specimen of a CITES-listed species may be
  imported into or exported (or re-exported) from a
  State party to the Convention only if the
  appropriate document has been obtained and
  presented for clearance at the port of entry or
  exit.

14
CITES How does it work? Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora

• There is some variation of the requirements from
  one country to another and it is always necessary
  to check on the national laws.
  
• Some Parties have domestic legislation with trade
  controls stricter than those required by CITES.
  
  
• In these cases, compliance with CITES regulations
  may not be sufficient to ensure that trade is
  legal

15
CITES Dispute Resolution Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora

• 1. Any dispute which may arise between two or
  more Parties with respect to the interpretation
  or application of the provisions of the present
  Convention shall be subject to negotiation
  between the Parties involved in the dispute.
• 2. If the dispute can not be resolved through
  negotiation, the Parties may, by mutual consent,
  submit the dispute to arbitration, in particular
  that of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The
  Hague, and the Parties submitting the dispute
  shall be bound by the arbitral decision.

16
Organizations and InstitutionsEndangered
Species and Biodiversity
17
CITES

• What is CITES?
• How does CITES work?
• CITES species
• Member countries
• CITES structure

18
What is CITES?

• CITES- The Convention on International Trade in
  Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is an
  international agreement between Governments.
  
• CITES aim is to ensure that international trade
  in specimens of wild animals and plants does not
  threaten their survival.
  
• CITES is an international agreement to which
  States (countries) adhere voluntarily
  

19
How does CITES work?

• International trade of species controlled.
• Authorization through licensing system
• Three Appendices,

20
The CITES species

• Roughly 5,000 species of animals and 28,000
  species of plants are protected by CITES against
  over-exploitation through international trade
  
• whole groups such as primates, cetaceans
  (whales, dolphins and porpoises), sea turtles,
  parrots, corals, cacti and orchids.
  
• But in some cases only a subspecies or
  geographically separate population of a species
  (for example the population of just one country)
  is listed.

21
Member countries

• bound to the provisions of CITES
• The Diplomatic channel
• Currently 164 Parties.

22
CITES Structure Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora
23
Law Enforcement Activities

• Confiscated endangered species products at JFK
  airport, New York
  

24
CBD

• Convention on Biological Diversity

25
Governing Principles and RulesEndangered
Species and Biodiversity
26
CBD History Convention on Biological Diversity

• In 1992, the largest-ever meeting of world
  leaders took place at the United Nations
  Conference on Environment and Development in Rio
  de Janeiro, Brazil.
• The biodiversity treaty gained rapid and
  widespread acceptance. Over 150 governments
  signed the document at the Rio conference, and
  since then more than 175 countries have ratified
  the agreement.

27
CBD Jurisdiction Convention on Biological
Diversity

• The provisions of this Convention apply, in
  relation to each Contracting Party
  
• (a) In the case of components of biological
  diversity, in areas within the limits of its
  national jurisdiction and
  
• (b) In the case of processes and activities,
  regardless of where their effects occur, carried
  out under its jurisdiction or control, within the
  area of its national jurisdiction or beyond the
  limits of national jurisdiction.

28
CBD Purposes Convention on Biological
Diversity

• The Convention has three main goals
• The conservation of biodiversity,
• Sustainable use of the components of
  biodiversity, and
  
• Sharing the benefits arising from the commercial
  and other utilization of genetic resources in a
  fair and equitable way
  

29
CBD Issues Convention on Biological Diversity

• Some of the many issues dealt with under the
  Convention include
  
• Measures and incentives for the conservation and
  sustainable use of biological diversity.
  
• Regulated access to genetic resources.
• Access to and transfer of technology, including
  biotechnology.
  
• Technical and scientific cooperation.
• Impact assessment.
• Education and public awareness.
• Provision of financial resources.
• National reporting on efforts to implement treaty
  commitments.
  

30
CBD General Measures Convention on Biological
Diversity

• Each Contracting Party shall
• (a) Develop national strategies, plans or
  programmes for the conservation and sustainable
  use of biological diversity or adapt for this
  purpose existing strategies, plans or programmes
  and
• (b) Integrate, as far as possible and as
  appropriate, the conservation and sustainable use
  of biological diversity into relevant sector or
  cross-sector plans, programmes and policies.

31
CBD Identification Convention on Biological
Diversity

• Each Contracting Party shall
• (a) Identify components of biological diversity
  important for its conservation and sustainable
  use having regard to the indicative list of
  categories set down in Annex I
• (b) Monitor, through sampling and other
  techniques, the components of biological
  diversity identified pursuant to subparagraph (a)
  above, paying particular attention to those
  requiring urgent conservation measures and those
  which offer the greatest potential for
  sustainable use
• (c) Identify processes and categories of
  activities which have or are likely to have
  significant adverse impacts on the conservation
  and sustainable use of biological diversity, and
  monitor their effects through sampling and other
  techniques and
• (d) Maintain and organize, by any mechanism data,
  derived from identification and monitoring
  activities pursuant to subparagraphs (a), (b) and
  (c) above.

32
CBD Responsibilities Convention on Biological
Diversity

• Each Contracting Party shall, as far as possible
  and as appropriate
  
• (a) Integrate consideration of the conservation
  and sustainable use of biological resources into
  national decision-making
  
• (b) Adopt measures relating to the use of
  biological resources to avoid or minimize adverse
  impacts on biological diversity
  
• (c) Protect and encourage customary use of
  biological resources in accordance with
  traditional cultural practices that are
  compatible with conservation or sustainable use
  requirements
• (d) Support local populations to develop and
  implement remedial action in degraded areas where
  biological diversity has been reduced and
  
• (e) Encourage cooperation between its
  governmental authorities and its private sector
  in developing methods for sustainable use of
  biological resources.

33
CBD Responsibilities Convention on Biological
Diversity

• Each country shall provide educational programs
  for public awareness about the importance of
  conservation and biodiversity.
  
• Developed countries shall help developing
  countries by encouraging research and training
  them for the identification, conservation and
  sustainable use of biodiversity.

34
CBD Cooperation Convention on Biological
Diversity

• Each country shall engage in technical and
  scientific cooperation in the field of
  conservation and sustainable use of biological
  diversity.
• Each country shall exchange information relevant
  to the conservation and sustainable use of
  biological diversity, taking into account the
  special needs of developing countries.

35
CBD Incentives Convention on Biological
Diversity

• Each Contracting Party shall, as far as possible
  and as appropriate, adopt economically and
  socially sound measures that act as incentives
  for the conservation and sustainable use of
  components of biological diversity.

36
CBD Financial Resources Convention on
Biological Diversity

• Each Contracting Party undertakes to provide, in
  accordance with its capabilities, financial
  support and incentives in respect of those
  national activities which are intended to achieve
  the objectives of this Convention, in accordance
  with its national plans, priorities and
  programmes.

37
CBD Reporting Convention on Biological
Diversity

• Each government that joins the Convention is to
  report on what it has done to implement the
  accord, and how effective this is in meeting the
  objectives of the Convention.
• These reports are submitted to the Conference of
  the Parties (COP) - the governing body that
  brings together all countries that have ratified
  the Convention.
• The reports can be viewed by the citizens of all
  nations. The Convention secretariat works with
  national governments to help strengthen reporting
  and to make the reports of various countries more
  consistent and comparable, so that the world
  community can get a clearer picture of the big
  trends.
• Part of that work involves developing indicators
  for measuring trends in biodiversity,
  particularly the effects of human actions and
  decisions on the conservation and sustainable use
  of biodiversity. The national reports,
  particularly when seen together, are one of the
  key tools for tracking progress in meeting the
  Convention's objectives.

38
CBD Dispute Settlement Convention on
Biological Diversity

• 1 The parties concerned shall seek solution by
  negotiation.
  
• 2. If the parties concerned cannot reach
  agreement by negotiation, they may jointly seek
  mediation by a third party.
  
• 3. For a dispute not resolved in accordance with
  paragraph 1 or paragraph 2 above, a country may
  accept one or both of the following means of
  dispute settlement as compulsory
• (a) Arbitration
• (b) Submission of the dispute to the
  International Court of Justice.

39
CBD Challenges Convention on Biological
Diversity

• Some of the major challenges to implementing the
  Convention on Biological Diversity and promoting
  sustainable development are
  
• Meeting the increasing demand for biological
  resources caused by population growth and
  increased consumption, while considering the
  long-term consequences of our actions.
• Increasing our capacity to document and
  understand biodiversity, its value, and threats
  to it.
  
• Building adequate expertise and experience in
  biodiversity planning.
  
• Improving policies, legislation, guidelines, and
  fiscal measures for regulating the use of
  biodiversity.
  
• Adopting incentives to promote more sustainable
  forms of biodiversity use.
  
• Promoting trade rules and practices that foster
  sustainable use of biodiversity.
  
• Strengthening coordination within governments,
  and between governments and stakeholders.
  
• Securing adequate financial resources for
  conservation and sustainable use, from both
  national and international sources.
  
• Making better use of technology.
• Building political support for the changes
  necessary to ensure biodiversity conservation and
  sustainable use.
  
• Improving education and public awareness about
  the value of biodiversity.
  

40
Organizations and InstitutionsEndangered
Species and Biodiversity
41
CBD Structure Convention on Biological
Diversity
42
Biological Diversity promotes nature and
human well-being.

• International Action
• Biosafety Protocol
• Thematic programmes

43
International Action

• The Convention's ultimate authority is the
  Conference of the Parties (COP), consisting of
  all governments (and regional economic
  integration organizations) that have ratified the
  treaty.
• This governing body reviews progress under the
  Convention, identifies new priorities, and sets
  work plans for members. The COP can also make
  amendments to the Convention.

44
The Biosafety Protocol

• greater agricultural productivity and improved
  human nutrition.
  
• Living Modified Organisms (LMOs)
• Agricultural and pharmaceutical LMOs

45
CMS

• Convention on Migratory Species
• (the Bonn Convention)

46
CMS Background Convention on Migratory Species

• Since the Convention's entry into force on
  November 1, 1983, its membership has grown
  steadily to include 84 (as of 1 September 2003)
  Parties from Africa, Central and South America,
  Asia, Europe and Oceania.
• The U.S. participates in the CMS, but is not yet
  a party.
  

47
CMS Its ProgenyConvention on Migratory Species

• Several Agreements have been concluded to date
  under the auspices of CMS. They aim to conserve
  
  
• Bats in Europe (EUROBATS)
• Cetaceans of the Mediterranean and Black Seas
  (ACCOBAMS)
  
• Small cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas
  (ASCOBANS)
  
• Seals in the Wadden Sea
• African-Eurasian migratory waterbirds (AEWA)
• the Siberian Crane
• the Slender-billed Curlew
• Marine turtles

48
CMS PurposeConvention on Migratory Species

• To conserve terrestrial, marine and avian
  migratory species throughout their range.

49
CMS PurposeConvention on Migratory Species

• Parties to CMS work together to conserve
  migratory species and their habitats by
  
• Providing strict protection for the endangered
  migratory species listed in Appendix I of the
  Convention
  
• By concluding multilateral Agreements for the
  conservation and management of migratory species
  listed in Appendix II and
  
• By undertaking co-operative research activities.

50
CMS Appendix 1Convention on Migratory Species

• 1. Appendix I shall list migratory species
  which are endangered.
  
• 2. A migratory species may be listed in
  Appendix I provided that reliable evidence,
  including the best scientific evidence available,
  indicates that the species is endangered.

51
CMS Appendix 1Convention on Migratory Species

• A migratory species may be removed from
  Appendix I when the Conference of the Parties
  determines that
  
•  
• reliable evidence, including the best scientific
  evidence available, indicates that the species is
  no longer endangered, and
  
• the species is not likely to become endangered
  again because of loss of protection due to its
  removal from Appendix I.

52
CMS Appendix 1Convention on Migratory Species

• Parties that are Range States of a
  migratory species listed in Appendix I shall
  endeavour
  
• to conserve and restore those habitats of the
  species which are of importance in removing the
  species from danger of extinction
  
• to prevent, remove, compensate for or minimize,
  the adverse effects of activities that seriously
  impede or prevent the migration of the species
  and
• to prevent, reduce or control factors that are
  endangering or are likely to further endanger the
  species, including strictly controlling the
  introduction of, or controlling or eliminating,
  already introduced exotic species.

53
CMS Appendix 1Convention on Migratory Species

• Exceptions may be made to this prohibition of the
  taking of Appendix 1 animals only if
  
• the taking is for scientific purposes
• the taking is for the purpose of enhancing the
  propagation or survival of the affected species
  
  
• the taking is to accommodate the needs of
  traditional subsistence users of such species or
  
  
• extraordinary circumstances so require provided
  that such exceptions are precise as to content
  and limited in space and time. Such taking should
  not operate to the disadvantage of the species.

54
CMS Appendix 2Convention on Migratory Species

• Appendix II shall list migratory species which
  have an
  
• unfavorable conservation status and
• which require international agreements for their
  conservation and management,
  
• as well as those which have a conservation status
  which would significantly benefit from the
  international cooperation that could be achieved
  by an international agreement.
• If the circumstances so warrant, a migratory
  species may be listed both in Appendix I and
  Appendix II.
  

55
CMS Appendix 2Convention on Migratory Species

• Parties that are Range States of migratory
  species listed in Appendix II shall try to
  conclude Agreements that would benefit the
  species and give priority to those species in an
  unfavorable conservation status.

56
Organizations and InstitutionsEndangered
Species and Biodiversity
57
CMS StructureConvention on Migratory Species
58
CMS StructureConvention on Migratory Species

• Conference of Parties
• Decision-Making Organ
• Reviews Implementation
• Adopts Budgets, Resolutions, Amendments to
  Species Lists

59
CMS StructureConvention on Migratory Species

• Scientific Council
• Experts Appointed by CMS Parties
• Advises on Scientific Matters

60
CMS StructureConvention on Migratory Species

• Standing Committee
• Regional Representation
• Provides General Policy, Operational, Financial
  Direction

61
CMS StructureConvention on Migratory Species

• Secretariat
• Develops and promotes agreements
• Disseminates Information
• Facilitates Meetings

62
RAMSAR

• Convention on Wetlands

63
Governing Principles and RulesEndangered
Species and Biodiversity
64
RAMSAR HistoryConvention on Wetlands

• The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of
  Ramsar in 1971, and came into force in 1975.
  
• As of August 1, 2003, 137 states were Contracting
  Parties and many others were poised to join.
  
• Ramsar is the only global environmental treaty
  dealing with a particular ecosystem.

65
RAMSAR PurposeConvention on Wetlands

• Provides the framework for national action and
  international cooperation for the conservation
  and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
  
• The convention covers all aspects of wetland
  conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands
  as ecosystems that are extremely important for
  biodiversity conservation in general and for the
  well-being of human communities.

66
RAMSAR CommitmentsConvention on Wetlands

• Designate at least one site that meets the Ramsar
  criteria for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of
  International Importance (the Ramsar List), and
  ensure the maintenance of the ecological
  character of each Ramsar site. Countries are
  expected to include in the List as many wetlands
  that meet the criteria as possible.
• Include wetland conservation within their
  national land-use planning, so as to promote the
  wise use of all wetlands within their territory
  
• Establish nature reserves on wetlands, and
  promote training in wetland research, management
  and wardening
  
• Consult with other Parties about the
  implementation of the Convention, especially with
  regard to transfrontier wetlands, shared water
  systems, shared species, and development projects
  affecting wetlands.

67
Organizations and InstitutionsEndangered
Species and Biodiversity
68
What is Ramsar? Sites of International
Importance
69
What is RAMSAR?

• An Intergovernmental treaty
• There are presently 138 Contracting Parties to
  the Convention, with 1317 wetland sites
  designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of
  Wetlands of International Importance

70
Which Contracting Parties have the most Wetlands
of International Importance?

• 169 United Kingdom
• 64 Australia
• 51 Sweden
• 49 The Netherlands
• 48 Spain
• 46 Italy
• 45 Ireland
• 38 Denmark
• 36 Canada
• 35 Russian Federation
• 31 Germany

71
The  Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of
International Importance

• Criteria based on species and ecological
  communities
  
• Specific criteria based on waterbirds
• Specific criteria based on fish

72
WHC

• World Heritage Convention

73
Governing Principles and RulesEndangered
Species and Biodiversity
74
WHC PurposeWorld Heritage Convention

• The primary mission of the World Heritage
  Convention (WHC) is to identify and conserve the
  world's cultural and natural heritage, by drawing
  up a list of sites whose outstanding values
  should be preserved for all humanity and to
  ensure their protection through a closer
  cooperation among nations.

75
WHC ContentsWorld Heritage Convention

• The Convention defines the kind of natural or
  cultural sites which can be considered for
  inscription on the World Heritage List, and sets
  out the duties of States Parties in identifying
  potential sites and their role in protecting and
  preserving them.
• By signing the Convention, each country pledges
  to conserve not only the World Heritage sites
  situated on its territory, but also to protect
  its national heritage.

76
WHC ContentsWorld Heritage Convention

• The Convention further describes the function of
  the World Heritage Committee, how its members are
  elected and their terms of office, and specifies
  the professional advisory bodies to which it can
  turn for advice in selecting the sites to be
  listed.
• The Convention explains how the World Heritage
  Fund is to be used and managed and under what
  conditions international financial assistance may
  be provided.

77
WHC How it worksWorld Heritage Convention

• The application for a site to be inscribed on the
  World Heritage List must come from the country
  itself. UNESCO makes no recommendations for
  listing.
• The application has to include a plan detailing
  how the site is managed and protected in national
  legislation.

78
WHC How it worksWorld Heritage Convention

• The World Heritage Committee meets once a year
  and examines the applications on the basis of
  technical evaluations.
  
• These independent evaluations of proposed
  cultural and natural sites are provided by two
  advisory bodies,
  
• International Council on Monuments and Sites
  (ICOMOS) and
  
• World Conservation Union (IUCN).
• A third advisory body, the International Centre
  for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration
  of Cultural Property, (ICCROM) provides expert
  advice on restoring monuments and organizes
  training courses.

79
WHC Criteria for SelectionWorld Heritage
Convention

• To be included on the World Heritage List, sites
  must satisfy the selection criteria.
  
• These criteria are explained in the Operational
  Guidelines which, besides the text of the
  Convention, is the main document on World
  Heritage.
• The criteria have been revised regularly by the
  Committee to match the evolution of the World
  Heritage concept itself.

80
WHC Cultural HeritageWorld Heritage Convention

• Cultural heritage should
• represent a masterpiece of human creative genius,
  or
  
• exhibit an important interchange of human values
  over a time or within a cultural area, on
  developments in architecture, monumental arts,
  town planning or landscape design, or
• bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony
  to a cultural tradition or to a civilization
  which is living or has disappeared, or
  
• be an example of a type of building or
  architectural or technological ensemble, or
  landscape which illustrates significant stages in
  human history, or
• be an example of a traditional human settlement
  or land-use which is representative of a culture,
  especially when it is vulnerable under the impact
  of irreversible change, or
• be associated with traditions, ideas, beliefs, or
  with artistic and literary works of outstanding
  universal significance.

81
WHC Natural PropertiesWorld Heritage Convention

• Natural properties should
• be outstanding examples representing major stages
  of the earth's history, including the record of
  life, significant ongoing geological processes in
  the development of landforms, or significant
  geomorphic features, or
• be outstanding examples representing significant
  ongoing ecological and biological processes in
  the evolution and development of terrestrial,
  fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and
  communities of plants and animals,
• contain areas of exceptional natural beauty and
  aesthetic importance, or
  
• contain the most important and significant
  natural habitats for conservation of biological
  diversity, including those containing threatened
  species of outstanding universal value from the
  point of view of science or conservation.

82
WHC Natural PropertiesWorld Heritage Convention

• Since 1992 significant interactions between
  people and the natural environment have been
  recognized as cultural landscapes.

83
WHC ProtectionWorld Heritage Convention

• The credibility of World Heritage stems from
  countries' regular reporting on the condition of
  sites, on measures taken to preserve them, and on
  their efforts to raise public awareness of
  cultural and natural heritage.
• If a country is not fulfilling its obligations
  under the Convention, it risks having its sites
  deleted from the World Heritage List.
  
• In practice, countries take their responsibility
  very seriously, and the World Heritage Committee
  will be alerted - by individuals, NGOs, or other
  groups - to possible dangers to a site.
• If the alert is justified, and the problem
  serious enough, the site will be placed on the
  List of World Heritage in Danger. Endangered
  sites on this list are entitled to particular
  attention and emergency action.

84
Organizations and InstitutionsEndangered
Species and Biodiversity
85
Convention Concerning the Protection of the World
Cultural and Natural Heritage

• Defining and conserving the world's heritage
• Induction of Countries

86
State Parties

• World Heritage Convention member framework
• s nomination of sites
• s management plans

87
The General Assembly

• Election of World Heritage Committee and its
  function

88
The World Heritage Committee

• A brief overview
• What is the World Heritage Committee?
• What authority does it command?

89
Trilateral Treaties
90
North American Agreement on Environmental
Cooperation

• Created the CEC, the Commission on Environmental
  Cooperation, which addresses regional
  environmental concerns, helps prevent potential
  trade and environmental conflicts, and promotes
  the effective enforcement of environmental law.
• The Agreement complements the environmental
  provisions of the North American Free Trade
  Agreement (NAFTA).

91
North American Agreement on Environmental
Cooperation

• OBLIGATIONS
• (a) periodically prepare and make publicly
  available reports on the state of the
  environment
  
• (b) develop and review environmental emergency
  preparedness measures
  
• (c) promote education in environmental matters,
  including environmental law
  
• (d) further scientific research and technology
  development in respect of environmental matters
  
• (e) assess, as appropriate, environmental
  impacts and
  
• (f) promote the use of economic instruments for
  the efficient achievement of environmental goals.

92
North American Agreement on Environmental
Cooperation

• EXPORTS OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES
• Each Party shall consider prohibiting the export
  of a pesticide or toxic substance whose use is
  prohibited within the Party's territory.

93
within the space of our lifetime, just a few
human generations, we shall -- in the absence of
greatly expanded conservation efforts --
impoverish the biosphere to an extent that will
persist for at least 200,000 human
generations(1)
- Norman Myers
94
Diversity

• At least 3.4 billion years of life on Earth
• History of life on Earth shows a pattern of
  diversification and speciation.
  
• Biodiversity may now be at its highest level.
  (2)
  
• Only 1.7 million out of an estimated 10-30
  million species have been identified and
  categorized. (3)
  
• 40,000 species of plants, animals,fungi, and
  microbes are regularly exploited for human
  benefit. (4)
  
• The endangered species trade is worth 5-17
  billion/year (5)
  
• At least half of the worlds species live in
  tropical rainforests.

95
(6)
96
Species Extinction

• Extinction is a normal byproduct of the process
  of evolution
  
• Most species exist for 2-5 million years
• 99 percent of species that ever existed have
  become extinct. (7)
  
• There have been 5 or 6 mass extinctions
• 50-200 species become extinct each day
• Current rates of species extinction are 50-100
  times greater than the background rate(8)

97
Number of Threatened Species (9)
Threatened includes critically endangered,
endangered and vulnerable
98
Number of Endangered and Extinct Animals (1996)
(10)
99
Primary Causes of Species Extinction (11)

100
(12)
101
Definitions of Extinction (13)

• Formal Definition total disappearance from the
  Earth with no reported sightings for an extended
  period of time (e.g. over 50 years)
  
• Commercial Extinction Commercial harvesting
  leaves species nearly extinct.
  
• Positive feedback - harvesting slows/stops and
  recovery is possible
  
• Species becomes prized for its rarity and
  harvesting increases causing extinction
  
• Population Extinction Extinction of distinct
  populations of a species
  
• Regional Extinction Extinction of a population
  within a political boundary
  

102
Does CITES Effectively protect Endangered Species?
103
Measuring the success of CITES (14)

• Has the convention improved the status of the
  species of wild flora and fauna it seeks to
  protect?
  
• In order to prove that CITES has been successful,
  a species must
  
• Have been threatened with extinction as a result
  of unsustainable international commercial trade
  immediately before listing in being listed in
  Appendix I, and
• Have recovered as a result of listing to the
  point where it could be transferred to Appendix
  II.
  

104
Measuring the success of CITES (continued) (15)

• A 1996 review commissioned by the parties found
  that only two species seemed to have benefited
  from CITES listing.
  
• However, experts from the IUCN Survival
  Commission found that the status of one of the
  two species, the nile crocodile, may have
  improved, not as a result of applying the
  standard CITES medicine, but as a consequence of
  departing from that prescription. Specifically,
  it was only when CITES shifted from a policy of
  restricting trade to one of promoting the
  sustainable use of crocodiles that crocodile
  numbers increased. (Transfer from Appendix I to
  Appendix II which has made ranches possible and
  profitable)

105
CITES

• Forced governments to develop and strengthen
  conservation plans
  
• The US adopted the Endangered Species Act in
  order, in part, to comply with CITES.
  
• Increased awareness of endangered species
  (especially charismatic species such as pandas
  and elephants) and other conservation issues
  
• Reduced demand for products of endangered species
  (?)
  
• Provides a starting point for broader
  conservation initiatives
  

106
Weaknesses of CITES

• CITES focuses on specific species rather than on
  ecosystems
  
• CITES does not address the most significant
  threats to most species
  
• Habitat destruction
• Reduction in range
• Pollution and pesticides
• Introduced species
• Even where trade is a major threat to a species,
  CITES may not be effective
  
• Illegal trade continues
• Domestic trade continues
• CITES fails to recognize the possible benefits
  from trade(16)
  
• CITES does not address conservation at a local or
  community level
  
• Outright ban on certain products (Appendix I
  listing) may disproportionately burden
  developing countries, and marginalized
  communities

107
CITES and CBD

• In 1996, the Secretariats of CITES and CBD signed
  a memorandum of understanding which provides for
  
  
• institutional cooperation between the
  secretariats
  
• exchange of information coordination of work
  programs
  
• joint conservation action.
• In the memorandum the secretariats agree to
  consult their Contracting Parties with a view to
  encouraging effective conservation and
  promoting the sustainability of any use of
  wildlife as a part of the biological diversity of
  our planet. (17)
• This may be evidence that there will be a shift
  in CITES policy
  
• Pure conservation to sustainable use
• Species-specific approach to ecosystem approach

108
Amazon Mahogany and the Rainforest Action Network

• In 1997 Rainforest Action Network (RAN) and 136
  other conservation groups convinced the US to
  support listing of Amazon Mahogany in Appendix II
  of CITES.
• Amazon Mahogany was listed in Appendix III and
  was subject to trade regulation.
  
• In November 2003 its listing changed now it is
  an Appendix II specimen.
  
• Although the Mahogany itself is threatened, the
  regulation of mahogany will positively impact the
  entire ecosystem.
  
• Thus the current CITES framework can be used to
  protect entire ecosystems if trade in keystone
  species is restricted.

109
Conclusions

• The focus of endangered species conservation
  should shift from a species-centered approach to
  an ecosystem approach.
  
• More emphasis should be placed on the factors
  which have the greatest impact on species
  survival (maintaining habitats).
  
• Communities need to be involved in the planning
  and decision making process in order to achieve
  compliance as well as sustainability goals
  
• Despite its specificity, CITES may be able to
  provide a workable framework for protecting
  endangered species if it is implemented in
  conjunction with other biodiversity-related
  conventions and treaties, especially CBD.

110
Sources

• CITES official page www.cites.org
• Convention on Biodiversity web page
  www.biodiv.org
  
• IUCN - World Conservation Union www.iucn.org
• IUCN Redlist of Threatened Species
  www.redlist.org
  
• World Resources Institute www.wri.org
• American University International Law and Policy
  Reference Source www.wcl.american.edu/environment
  /iel/thirteen.cfm
  
• Resource Africa (An African perspective on
  natural resource management and conservation)
  www.resourceafrica.org
  
• Rainforest Action Network www.ran.org
• Edward O. Wilson. The Diversity of Life. (1992)