There has been a lot of exciting news from the CITES CoP19 meeting in Panama, with species of sharks, frogs, trees, and other marine life receiving enhanced protections. But, not all species will receive the protection they deserve.
A proposal to list hippos on Appendix I, which would prevent all commercial trade, was rejected by the CITES Parties. The proponents of the Appendix I listing proposal expressed concern that hippos are vanishing in their countries due to illegal trade in hippo ivory. However, there was a loud protest from some East and Southern African countries, which believe they have large and healthy populations of hippos and that an Appendix I listing is not needed. Unfortunately, those in support of enhanced protections for hippos did not achieve the 2/3 vote needed and the proposal failed.
Born Free strongly supported the Appendix I listing proposal, and will continue to push for greater protections for hippos.
What is CITES?
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments that aims to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten species’ survival. CoPs (Conferences of Parties) are held every three years and provide an opportunity for member States and other stakeholders to review progress in species conservation in order to adopt or amend proposals related to international trade and species protection.
What is Born Free doing at CITES CoP19?
CoPs offer advocate organizations like Born Free the chance to push for stronger protections for imperiled species. This year, at CoP19, Born Free USA will actively work to increase international protections for wildlife threatened by unsustainable and illegal trade.
Follow Born Free USA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and keep an eye on our CITES hub, for updates from the Conference!
