Updates by species

Assistant Secretary Tom Strickland, head of the U.S. Delegation to the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), expressed disappointment that the Parties did not grant protection to four species of sharks considered today at the meeting of the Conference of the Parties. The U.S. and Palau had introduced two proposals to list several species of hammerhead sharks and the oceanic whitetip shark under Appendix II to regulate the international trade of these highly threatened species. The decisions were reached after intense discussion among the 175 nations represented at the Convention.

Progress made for conservation of bigleaf mahogany, freshwater tortoises and turtles, snakes and Saiga antelope

Submitted by Christine Eustis on March 16, 2010 - 10:40pm

On Tuesday, March 16, Committee I began by taking up several agenda items related to plants submitted by the Plants Committee for consideration. Of particular interest to the U.S. is the discussion on the control of the international trade in bigleaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). A working group had been formed after the last CoP to review management plans in the range States for bigleaf mahogany and analyze the non-detriment findings of these range States in issuing permits for the trade in bigleaf mahogany. A range State is the term used for a country in which the species occurs.

Benito Perez, Chief of Law Enforcement joins John Sellar, Enforcement for CITES at press event

Opening ceremonies

Submitted by Christine Eustis on March 14, 2010 - 8:50am

Yesterday, the U.S. delegation to the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES joined more than 175 other countries’ delegations in Doha, Qatar for the opening ceremonies. Qatar, a small, oil-rich nation along the Persian Gulf is host to this important international wildlife trade convention that last occurred three years ago in The Netherlands. This is the first time that CITES has met in the Middle East and the State of Qatar is demonstrating its commitment to CITES by investing substantial financial resources to host the meeting.

	Entrance to Sheraton Hotel, site of CoP15, Doha, Qatar
	Plenary Session, Opening Ceremony, Doha, Qatar
	Jane Lyder, Acting Head of U.S. Delegation with Head of Chinese Delegation
	Qatar Entertainers, Opening Ceremony

More information about: Shark - Great Hammerhead