Annexes to COM(2022)451 - EU position at the 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP19) - Main contents

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dossier	COM(2022)451 - EU position at the 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered ...
document	COM(2022)451
date	November 14, 2022

ANNEX I

Union Position on key issues to be discussed at the 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (Panama City, Panama, 14 - 25 November 2022)

A. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

The Union considers CITES a key international convention for biodiversity conservation and against wildlife trafficking.

The Union should adopt an ambitious position for CITES CoP19, in line with relevant Union policies and international commitments, in particular the targets relating to wildlife under Sustainable Development Goal 15, the Union’s position (1) for the CoP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity concerning the upcoming post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, the CITES Strategic Vision and the UN General Assembly Resolution 75/311 on illicit trafficking in wildlife. The Union's position should also serve to attain the objectives set out at EU level through the Biodiversity strategy for 2030, the EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking, the EU approach to promote trade and sustainable development, and the European Green Deal.

The priorities for the Union at CITES CoP19 should be to

•	fully use the CITES instruments to regulate international trade in endangered animals and plant species which are subject to unsustainable levels of trade, pursuing a science-based approach, and

•	strengthen the response by the international community to wildlife trafficking;

The Union at CITES CoP19 should ensure that the EU's status and rights as a Party to the Convention remain fully respected.

The Union's position should take account of the contribution that CITES mechanisms can make towards improving species' conservation status and acknowledge the work done by those countries that have implemented effective conservation measures. The Union should ensure that the decisions taken at CoP19 maximise the efficiency of CITES, by minimising unnecessary administrative burdens and by achieving practical, cost-effective and workable solutions to implementation and monitoring issues.

The CoP is the governing body of CITES and a number of decisions adopted at CITES CoP19 will be implemented by the Standing Committee, which is the main CoP subsidiary body. The Union's position for CITES CoP19 should therefore also guide the EU's approach at the 75th and 76th meetings of the Standing Committee, which take place directly before and after CoP19.

B. SPECIFIC ISSUES

Fifty-two proposals for amending the CITES Appendices have been tabled for consideration at CITES CoP19. Thirteen of these proposals have been submitted by the Union as the main proponent or as co-proponent, and their adoption should naturally also be supported by the Union.

6a.

The Union’s position on proposals for amendments of the CITES Appendices should be based on the conservation status of the species concerned and on the impact that trade has or may have on the status of that species. To this end, the most relevant and robust scientific advice should be taken into consideration for the assessment of listing proposals in line with Resolution Conf. 9.24 on the criteria for amending of Appendices I and II.

6b.

The views of the range States of the species concerned by the proposals should receive particular attention. The Union also considers that, as a general rule, support should be given to proposals to amend CITES Appendices where these are the result of the work by the CITES Animals and Plants Committees and the Standing Committee. The assessment of the proposals by the CITES Secretariat and IUCN/Traffic (2) and, for commercially exploited marine species, the assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) dedicated expert panel should also be taken into account.

As agreed upon in the Council Decision 2022/982 of 16 June 2022 (3), the Union advocates the inclusion of

—	Physignathus cocincinus (Chinese water dragon) in Appendix II

—	Cuora galbinifrons (Indochinese box turtle) in Appendix I

—	Laotriton laoensis (Laos warty newt) in Appendix II with a zero export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes

—	Agalychnis lemur (Lemur leaf frog) in Appendix II with a zero annual export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes

—	all species of Sphyrnidae spp. (Hammerhead sharks) not yet included in Appendix II in Appendix II

—	Thelenota ananas, T. anax, T. rubralineata (Sea cucumbers) in Appendix II

—	Khaya spp. (African mahogany) (Populations of Africa) in Appendix II with Annotation #17

—	Afzelia spp. (Pod mahogany) (Population s of Africa) in Appendix II with Annotation #17

—	Dipteryx spp. in Appendix II with Annotation #17 + seeds

—	Handroanthus spp. (Trumpet tree), Tabebuia spp. and Roseodendron spp. in Appendix II with Annotation #17

—	Pterocarpus spp. (Padauk) (Populations of Africa) in Appendix II with Annotation #17

—	Rhodiola spp. in CITES Appendix II with Annotation #2.

The Union has also decided to co-sponsor and will advocate for the proposal by Panama to list Carcharhinidae spp. (Requiem sharks) in Appendix II.

The Union notes that considerable work has been done in recent years to build capacity for the implementation of CITES, not least with regard to marine species, including through the Union's financial support. The Union supports better coordination between CITES and other Multilateral Environmental Agreements and organisations, such as regional fisheries management organisations and other relevant bodies, acting within their respective mandates, with the aim of improving governance and increasing complementarity.

The Union notes an increased focus within CITES on timber species, as also reflected by the Union’s proposals to list additional tree species in CITES Appendix II at CoP19. CITES has an important role to play in the conservation of forests and the Union supports stronger and more consistent action between CITES and other forest-related organisations and processes.

10.

The Union's position on proposals related to wildlife trafficking should reflect the EU’s comprehensive approach to preventing wildlife trafficking, by addressing its root causes, strengthening legal and policy frameworks to address wildlife trafficking, enforcing existing rules effectively, and fostering global partnerships to address wildlife trafficking, while at the same time acknowledging that considerable work has been done in recent years in preventing wildlife trafficking by the international community.

11.

Consistent with these priorities, the Union is supportive of better protection through CITES of species currently either illegally imported or imported at unsustainable levels into the EU. The Union therefore supports the proposals to amend the Appendices in relation to various species of reptiles and amphibians, in particular several species of turtles that are imported to the EU as pets.

12.

The Union should also encourage initiatives that contribute to increasing the capacities of relevant authorities, sharing information and best practices, aiming to better implement CITES and improve cooperation between source, transit and destination countries.

13.

In this context, the Union notes proposals that call for the creation of specific funds to benefit selected parties. The Union considers that new funds should only be created in duly justified cases, based on a thorough analysis of their feasibility and added value. Access to funding should not be limited to selected parties or groups of parties.

13a.

Several proposals presented to CITES CoP 19 focus on issues related to sustainable use, livelihoods, indigenous peoples and local communities. The Union should support such proposals to the extent that they help ensure that relevant issues are adequately addressed in CITES. However, the creation of additional processes or structures with significant costs and uncertain benefits or the risk of duplication should be avoided.

14.

It is important for the Union to ensure that all resolutions, annotations and reservations are uniformly understood and interpreted. Despite the positive effect of current rules, addressing elephant poaching and ivory trafficking remain a priority, as well as the need to secure sustainable solutions for people living close to elephants and wildlife in general. Therefore, the Union should specifically promote the clarification of the rules on trade in live elephants, specifically Resolution Conf. 11.20 (Rev. CoP18) and Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP18). At the 74th meeting of the Standing Committee the Union and its Member States expressed their wish to create a common framework for trade in live African elephants, based on the CITES framework and on transparent and robust scientific scrutiny. Harmonising the conditions for trade in live African elephants and promoting actions that directly address the problem of illegal trade in elephants and ivory should be a priority for the Union for all CoP19 agenda items relating to elephants.

15.

The Union notes that several proposals have been tabled by Parties in relation to legal trade in elephant ivory and rhino horn. The Union is aware of the financial burden connected to protecting endangered species in particular from wildlife trafficking and of potential human-wildlife conflict and it provides support to range states in this regard. International commercial trade in ivory and rhino horn is currently banned under the CITES framework. The Union considers that the conditions for reauthorising this trade are not met and does not support proposals for CoP19 to re-open it. For domestic ivory and rhino horn markets contributing to the illegal trade, the Union should continue to support proportionate, effective and transparent measures based on the best available evidence, within the scope of the Convention.

16.

The Union acknowledges that international trade in wildlife and global decline in biodiversity may pose a risk regarding the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases. The Union also recognises that there is a link between illegal trade on the one hand and poor animal welfare on the other, which increases the risk of the spread of diseases. CITES should continue to play a role, in accordance with its mandate, in reducing potential risks to the health of animals and people. No organisation can address on its own the multiple challenges that could lead to the emergence and spread of wildlife-related diseases. The Union considers that through the incentives of the Convention’s legal trade regime, and in particular in its function of discouraging illegal trade, it can contribute to reducing the risk of spread of zoonoses. The Union should therefore encourage CITES to strengthen their active collaboration with other intergovernmental organisations, including those involved in animal or public health, trade, food and transport, in line with the ‘One Health approach’. The Union strongly supports the renewed commitment between the World Organisation for Animal Health and CITES to work together on animal health and welfare issues worldwide to safeguard biodiversity and protect animals.

17.

The wildlife-trafficking crisis, combined with the extension of the scope of CITES to new species and Parties, means that more activities have been brought within the scope of the CITES umbrella in recent years and that the workload of the CITES Secretariat has increased considerably. The Union should take these developments into account when deciding on its priorities at CoP19 and on the future budget for the CITES Secretariat.

(1) ST 13975/22 (https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/59787/st13975-en22.pdf).

(2) The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and TRAFFIC are specialised in wildlife trade issues and provide a thorough assessment of proposals to amend CITES Appendices before each CoP.

(3) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2022.167.01.0095,01.ENG

ANNEX II

Union Position on certain proposals submitted to the 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (Panama City, Panama, 14 - 25 November 2022)

“+”	indicates a position in favour
“–“	indicates a position against
“0”	indicates an open position due to the lack of sufficient information to establish a position
“(+)”	indicates support conditional on the availability of additional information and/or amendments to the proposal
“(-)”	indicates opposition to be reconsidered if further supporting evidence is provided and/or the proposal is significantly amended

1. WORKING DOCUMENTS

No.	Agenda item	Proponent (1)	Comments	Position
Opening ceremony		No document
Welcoming addresses		No document
Administrative and financial matters
1.	Election of Chair and Vice-Chair of the meeting and of Chairs of Committees I and II		No document Candidates are already agreed upon.
2.	Adoption of the agenda CoP19 Doc. 2	Sec.	Agreed	+
3.	Adoption of the working programme CoP19 Doc. 3	Sec.	Agreed	+
4.	Rules of Procedure of the Conference of the Parties
	4.1	Report of the Standing Committee CoP19 Doc. 4.1	SC	Support recommended amendments to Rule 7. Support recommended amendments to Rule 25.5 and 25.6. Stress the importance that any change in the voting order would need to be exceptional and duly justified by the Chair in the meeting.	+
	4.2	Proposed amendment to Rule 26 CoP19 Doc. 4.2	Botswana and Zimbabwe	Reject the proposal as it is contrary to article XV of the Convention. The principle that every Party should have one vote is fundamental and not negotiable. This change would result in highly complicated negotiations before every vote and in practical issues as to assess the populations as close as possible to the CoP sessions to reflect the situation.	-
5.	Credentials Committee
	5.1	Establishment of the Credentials Committee		No document
	5.2	Report of the Credentials Committee		No document
6.	Admission of observers CoP19 Doc. 6
7.	Administration, finance and budget of the Secretariat and of meetings of the Conference of the Parties
	7.1	Administration of the Secretariat CoP19 Doc. 7.1	Sec.
	7.2	Report of the Executive Director of UNEP on administrative and other matters CoP19 Doc. 7.2	UNEP
	7.3	Financial reports for 2020-2022 CoP19 Doc. 7.3	Sec.
	7.4	Budget and work programme for 2023 to 2025 CoP19 Doc. 7.4	Sec.
	7.5	Access to funding CoP19 Doc. 7.5	SC	No position
	7.6	Sponsored delegates project CoP19 Doc. 7.6	Sec.	Agree with the proposal by the Secretariat not to expand the Programme to generally cover the meetings of the SC and Animals and Plants committees, as the administrative work related to such enlarged Programme would represent a disproportionate burden for the Secretariat. However, agree to the proposed limited expansion of the Programme to eligible Parties subject to Article XIII procedures. Support the proposed amendments to Resolution Conf 17.3 and the draft Decision.	+
8.	Language strategy for the Convention CoP19 Doc. 8	Sec.	EU can support option 2 and is open to discussing certain elements of option 3, if financed from voluntary contributions. There are significant budget and delay issues to be considered, as well as possible implications for CITES implementation and enforcement as described in para 12.a) of Doc. 8. Any in-session working group at the CoP needs to include representatives of all regions, and not only of Parties with Arabic, Chinese and Russian as their official languages, because any decision will have budgetary implications for all Parties.	(-)
Strategic matters
9.	Committee reports and recommendations
	9.1	Standing Committee
		9.1.1	Report of the Chair CoP19 Doc. 9.1.1	SC	Note the document and support to draft decisions, including to suggestions by the Secretariat.	+
		9.1.2	Election of new regional and alternate regional members		No documents
	9.2	Animals Committee
		9.2.1	Report of the Chair CoP19 Doc. 9.2.1	AC	Note the document and support to draft decisions.	+
		9.2.2	Election of new regional and alternate regional members		No documents
	9.3	Plants Committee
		9.3.1	Report of the Chair CoP19 Doc. 9.3.1	PC	Note the document.
		9.3.2	Election of new regional and alternate regional members		No documents
10.	CITES Strategic Vision CoP19 Doc. 10	SC	Support the set of decisions. The indicators might be further modified depending on the developments in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.	(+)
11.	Appendix-I listed species CoP19 Doc. 11	AC, PC	Support the proposal with some amendments to draft decisions to be proposed by the EU, while remaining open to discussing adjustments proposed by the Secretariat to the proposed process and other amendments, if suggested by other Parties.	+
12.	World Wildlife Trade Report CoP19 Doc. 12	South Africa	The idea of the report and the intersessional working group is generally supported. However, there are still uncertainties in the proposal. Thereby, it can solely be supported, subject to availability of external resources, if a process is started, through a set of decisions, to better define the report with the view to decide at CoP20, or if the proposal is substantially improved during the CoP19 to provide more clarity on the content of the report.	(+)
13.	Engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities CoP19 Doc. 13	SC	Support the recommendation to adopt the revised decisions contained in Annex 1 to the document, and to encourage specific suggestions on participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in CITES.	+
14.	Livelihoods CoP19 Doc. 14	SC	Support the adoption of the revised decisions and the deletion of Decisions 18.37 and 18.36.	+
15.	Participatory mechanisms for rural communities in CITES CoP19 Doc. 15	Eswatini, Namibia and Zimbabwe	Oppose the proposals as a standalone document. While the topic is important, there are already two separate processes under CITES focusing on IPLC (see agenda points 13 and 14). In order to be more efficient and to be consistent when it comes to engagement of indigenous peoples and local as well as rural communities, the proponents should align their proposal with the processes under agenda points 13 and 14, and submit it in the respective WG or both WGs, as appropriate, for consideration.	(-)
16.	Capacity building CoP19 Doc. 16	SC	Support the draft resolution and the set of proposals to continue work on an integrated capacity-building framework. Some minor clarifications might be necessary in particular to clarify the scope of point 2 b in the draft resolution. Support to changes proposed by the Secretariat.	+
17.	Cooperation with organizations and multilateral environmental agreements
	17.1	Cooperation with other biodiversity-related conventions CoP19 Doc. 17.1	SC	Support, as synergies among biodiversity MEAs should continue to be strengthened and it is appropriate for the SC to keep matters under review. Agree with the revised and new draft decisions outlined in the Annexes of the document and support the work towards a partnership strategy.	+
	17.2	Cooperation with Global Strategy for Plant Conservation CoP19 Doc. 17.2	PC	Support new draft Decisions, including the suggestion by the Secretariat to include SC in the process.	+
	17.3	Cooperation with the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services CoP19 Doc. 17.3	SC	Support the draft decisions contained in the Annex I of the document.	+
	17.4	Joint CITES-CMS African Carnivores Initiative CoP19 Doc. 17.4	Sec.	Support this draft decision to convey relevant information to AC and to advise the Secretariat accordingly on African Carnivore Initiative, as suggested by AC and several observer organizations.	+
	17.5	International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime CoP19 Doc. 17.5	Sec.	Support adoption of the draft decisions and deletion of the Decision 18.3.	+
18.	United Nations World Wildlife Day CoP19 Doc. 18	Sec.	Support deletion of Decision 18.38 on World Wildlife Day as it has been implemented.	+
19.	CITES and forests CoP19 Doc. 19	Sec.	Support the proposal; suggest changes to improve synergies and avoid duplication with other international forest-related processes and instruments. Suggest the PC could be consulted on the terms of reference of the study (possibly through the chair to make the process simpler).	(+)
20.	Tree species programme CoP19 Doc. 20	Sec.	Support the draft decisions. The EU considers the program to bring the expected outcomes and encourages all Parties to build on the results of the Programme and to further contribute to the implementation of CITES regarding listed tree species.	+
21.	Review of the ETIS programme CoP19 Doc. 21	SC	Most recommendations can be supported, including the editorial changes suggested by the Secretariat, except the change in the submission date for ETIS data, which could weaken the process due to the time lag between the data used in the analysis and the reporting to the CoP. Oppose therefore the addition to Annex 1, section 4, 2nd paragraph, but support strengthening of cooperation between ICCWC and ETIS and the sharing of data from the Annual Illegal Trade Reports with ETIS. Support to the suggestion from the Secretariat to adopt a draft decision directed to the Secretariat and the Standing Committee to develop clear criteria for the categorization of Parties.	(+)
22.	MIKE and ETIS programmes CoP19 Doc. 22	SC	Support the proposal, including the proposed new text from the Secretariat for decision 19.BB a), however, it should be emphasized that a stronger focus should be laid on the long-term financial viability of MIKE and ETIS. The EU is open to the proposal by the Secretariat to incorporate the decision 19.AA in the decision on Financing and costed programme of work.	+
23.	Role of CITES in reducing risk of future zoonotic disease emergence associated with international wildlife trade CoP19 Doc. 23
	23.1	Report of the Standing Committee CoP19 Doc. 23.1	SC	Welcome the work done by the intersessional working group. Support the proposed decisions and the amendments to Resolution Conf. 10.21 (Rev. CoP16) on transport of live specimens.	+
	23.2	One Health and CITES: Human and animal health risks from wildlife trade CoP19 Doc. 23.2	Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal	Oppose the elements that go beyond CITES. Support some of the elements contained in the draft resolution, such as the use of international definitions and cooperation with animal and public health authorities, and suggest their integration in draft decisions proposed in Doc. 23.1, not as part of the process towards the Resolution, but as Decisions adopted at CoP19.	(-)
24.	Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of the Convention CoP19 Doc. 24	Sec.	Support the recommendations proposed by the Secretariat to ensure that CITES meetings and inter-sessional work can take place also when faced with exceptional operational issues.	+
25.	Action plan on gender-related matters CoP19 Doc. 25	Panama	Support exploring and addressing gender related issues effectively. Support to the proposed resolution, which however requires further amendments. Suggest that the CoP initiates an intersessional process to consider the need and content of guidelines to implement the resolution, and provide recommendations to SC / CoP20.	(+)
Interpretation and implementation matters
Existing Resolutions and Decisions
26.	Review of Resolutions CoP19 Doc. 26	Sec.	Support changes to the Resolutions and the deletion of Decision 14.81 if the relevant change to Resolution Conf. 14.8 (Rev. CoP17) is adopted. Should be aligned with amendment suggested in document 32.	+
27.	Review of Decisions CoP19 Doc. 27		Support the suggestions by the Secretariat. Prefer 18.55 not to be deleted as implementation is pending. Consider whether 18.193 has been implemented by the time of the CoP.	+
General compliance and enforcement
28.	National laws for implementation of the Convention CoP19 Doc. 28	Sec.	Support adoption of the draft decisions contained in Annex 1 to document CoP19 Doc. 28, and propose to include possible reporting to the regular Standing Committee meetings into decision 19.EEh). Support the deletion of Decisions 18.62-18.67 and agree on the tentative budget as projected in Annex 2.	+
29.	CITES compliance matters
	29.1	Implementation of Article XIII and Resolution Conf. 14.3 (Rev. CoP18) on CITES compliance procedures CoP19 Doc. 29.1	Sec.	Take note of the information presented in the document on implementation of Article XIII and Resolution Conf. 14.3. (Rev. CoP 18). Engage in the discussion on recommendation under paragraph 42b) with the view to supporting the expedited procedure, if needed, and under paragraph 42c) with the view to possible improvements of handling of compliance matter by the SC, taking into account other possible means to reduce the agenda of the SC.	0
	29.2	Totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) CoP19 Doc. 29.2
		29.2.1	Report of the Secretariat CoP19 Doc. 29.2.1	Sec.	Support adoption of revised and new draft decisions (18.292 to 18.295, and 19.CC and 19.DD) in Annex 3 to document CoP19 Doc. 29.2.1. Urge Mexico to take effective measures to protect vaquita. Documents 29.2.1 and 29.2.2 are very similar and should be merged into one, possibly using the report of the Secretariat as the starting point.	+
		29.2.2	Renewed and updated Decisions for CoP19 CoP19 Doc. 29.2.2	United States of America	Support to the content of the document, which however overlaps with document 29.2.1 by the Secretariat. The two documents should be merged.	(+)
	29.3	Malagasy ebonies (Diospyros spp.) and palisanders and rosewoods (Dalbergia spp.) CoP19 Doc. 29.3	Sec. in consultation with the Chair of the SC	Support draft decisions; in particular, to Madagascar to secure all stockpiles and to Parties not to accept (re) exports for commercial purposes from Madagascar of specimens of Diospyros spp. (#5) or Dalbergia spp. (#15) until Madagascar has made a Legal Acquisition Finding and a Non-Detriment Finding for these species on a national level to the satisfaction of the Secretariat.	+
30.	Compliance Assistance Programme CoP19 Doc. 30	SC	Support the decisions on the implementation of the Compliance Assistance Programme.	+
31.	Country-wide Significant Trade Reviews CoP19 Doc. 31	SC, incorporates draft decisions proposed by the Chairs of the AC and PC	Support, as an evaluation of whether the issues identified in the country-wide Review of Significant Trade for Madagascar are sufficiently addressed is needed.	+
32.	Review of Resolution Conf. 11.3 (Rev. CoP18) on Compliance and enforcement CoP19 Doc. 32	SC	Support the adoption of the proposed amendments to Resolution Conf. 11.3 (Rev. CoP18), subject to minor editorial changes.	+
33.	Enforcement matters CoP19 Doc. 33	Sec.	Support the recommendations, stressing the importance of continuing to promote active enforcement of the Convention at national and international level which relies above all on sufficient capacity of enforcement institutions and the specialisation of their units. Also stress the importance of addressing the financial flows emanating from illegal wildlife trade.	+
34.	Annual illegal trade reports CoP19 Doc. 34	Sec.	Support the amendment to Resolution Conf. 11.17 (Rev. CoP18) deletion of Decisions 18.75 and 18.76 on Annual illegal trade reports. Generally support the the proposed draft Decisions 19.AA and 19.BB with some clarifications and amendments.	+
35.	Task Force on illegal trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species CoP19 Doc. 35	SC	Support the recommendations: a) take note of the document, including the proposed amendment to draft decision 19.CC on Identification of timber and other wood products, as presented by the PC in document CoP19 Doc. 44,2; b) the deletion of Decisions 18.79 and 18.80 on enforcement.	+
36.	Wildlife crime enforcement support in West and Central Africa
	36.1	Report of the Standing Committee CoP19 Doc. 36.1	SC	Documents 36.1 and 36.2 should be merged. General agreement that wildlife crime enforcement support is needed. However, in order to avoid duplication with existing activities and because establishing a fund seems to be a lengthy process which would require substantial financial and human resources, therefore Support recommendations by the Secretariat provided under document 36.1. Encourage other Parties, governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and interested stakeholders to provide support to these subregions.	(+)
	36.2	Wildlife crime and CITES enforcement support in West and Central Africa CoP19 Doc. 36.2	Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal	Proposed merging documents 36.1 and 36.2., comments provided in 36.1.	(-)
37.	Wildlife crime linked to the Internet CoP19 Doc. 37	Sec.	Support the changes to Resolution Conf. 11.3 (Rev. CoP18) and the draft Decisions. Suggest that together with best practices, also “national laws” in place by Parties should be identified (addition to the proposed Decision 19.AA). Should be aligned with amendment suggested in document 32.	+
38.	Demand reduction to combat illegal trade CoP19 Doc. 38	SC	Support the adoption of the guidance at CoP19. Support also the adoption of draft decisions and amendments of Resolution Conf. 17.4 to improve the availability of the guidance to Parties in all CITES languages and encourage Parties to use it.	+
39.	Domestic markets for frequently illegally traded specimens CoP19 Doc. 39	SC	Support the recommendations. Should be aligned with amendment suggested in document 32.	+
Regulation of trade
40.	Guidance for making legal acquisition findings CoP19 Doc. 40	SC	Certain elements of the "Rapid Guide for making Legal Acquisition Findings" and of the Decision 19.BB a)", need clarification. EU position will be further developed once the updated document by the Secretariat reflecting outcomes of the workshop on Legal Acquisition (August 2022) becomes available.	(+)
41.	Electronic systems and information technologies and Authentication and control of permits CoP19 Doc. 41	SC	Support the conclusion of the study on permit authentication and control. Support the proposed amendments to Resolution Conf. 12.3 (Rev. CoP18) on permits and certificates as amended by CITES Secretariat with the suggestion to take more into account systems organised over a hub architecture. Support for the proposed amendments to resolution Conf.11.3 (Rev. COP18) on compliance and enforcement in particular to allow customs to access information in permitting databases of Management Authorities. Support draft decisions on risk assessment and analysis and the draft decisions on electronic systems and information technology.	+
42.	Purpose codes on CITES permits and certificates CoP19 Doc. 42	SC	Agree with suggested amendments to the relevant resolutions and support the adoption of the proposed draft decisions to re-establish an intersessional joint working group to further review the use of purpose of transaction codes by Parties and among others to continue the discussions on purpose codes P and T.	+
43.	Non-detriment findings
	43.1	Report of the Animals and Plants Committees CoP19 Doc. 43.1	AC, PC	Support the draft decisions agreed at AC31 and PC25.	+
	43.2	Making non-detriment findings for specimens of Appendix-II species taken in the marine environment not under the jurisdiction of any State CoP19 Doc. 43.2	United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	Support the draft decisions, as they align with the ongoing initiative to strengthen synergies between CITES and fisheries with a view to improving the conservation of CITES-listed and threatened sharks and rays.	+
44.	Identification materials
	44.1	Review of Resolution Conf. 11.19 (Rev. CoP16) CoP19 Doc. 44.1	SC	Support the recommendations.	+
	44.2	Identification of timber and other wood products CoP19 Doc. 44.2	PC	Support draft decisions as a lot of information have been collected over the years and putting them together would be useful.	+
45.	Labelling system for trade in caviar CoP19 Doc. 45	SC	Support draft decisions proposed and the deletion of decision 18.146. Suggest the establishment of an intersessional WG of the SC that can start its work once the analysis and recommendations of the Secretariat are available.	+
46.	Trade in stony corals CoP19 Doc. 46	European Union and its Member States	Document submitted by the EU and its Member States.	+
47.	Specimens produced through biotechnology CoP19 Doc. 47	SC, Sec.	Support the recommendations, the specialist meeting should be a basis for developing a clarity around definitions and conservation issues that could be used by WG later on. The meeting should serve as the basis for the working group and must therefore take place beforehand.	+
48.	Definition of the term 'appropriate and acceptable destinations' CoP19 Doc. 48	SC	Support approval of both non-binding guidance documents. Support draft decision in Annex 3, including amendments by the CITES Secretariat.	+
49.	Introduction from the sea CoP19 Doc. 49	SC	Support the proposed decisions. Express the EU+MS deep concern about the lack of implementation of the CITES provisions on IFS and other trade from areas beyond national jurisdiction of CITES-listed species. The EU+MS stress that for a successful implementation of CITES provisions for marine species, effective cooperation between CITES and fisheries authorities is essential.	+
50.	Disposal of confiscated specimens CoP19 Doc. 50	SC	Support the proposed draft CoP19 decisions as recommended by the SC74 and deletion Decisions 18.159 to 18.164.	+
51.	Quotas for leopard (Panthera pardus) hunting trophies CoP19 Doc. 51	SC	Support amending paragraph 1 a) of Resolution Conf. 10.14 (Rev. CoP16). Propose amendment of the decisions proposed by the Secretariat to ensure that the export quotas (including hunting quotas) are reviewed on a regular basis.	(+)
52.	Transport of live specimens: improving implementation of the transport regulations CoP19 Doc. 52	Canada, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Senegal and the United States of America	Support the proposed decisions and the changes in the resolutions, especially with regard to the access to IATA Regulations. Clarify the purpose of the first (minor) change in Res. Conf 10.21 (inclusion of “regardless of the method of transport”) and consider possible impact on guidelines for nonair transport. Open to discuss suggestions by Parties or relevant stakeholders to improve feasibility of the proposed changes without reducing the ambition of the proposal.	+
Exemptions and special trade provisions
53.	Review of CITES provisions related to trade in specimens of animals and plants not of wild source CoP19 Doc. 53	SC	Support the continuation of the intersessional WG because the issues addressed are complex and there was not enough time to discuss all the points in the mandate. Important improvements to the text, in particular of Annex I, are needed to make the text clearer and more focused, and also to address the concerns raised by the CITES Secretariat. In line with the position of the Secretariat, advocate for postponement of adoption of the amendments to the Resolution 10.16 to CoP20, but open to adoption at CoP19 if substantive improvement is agreed.	(-)
54.	Review of the provisions of Resolution Conf. 17.7 on Review of trade in animal specimens reported as produced in captivity CoP19 Doc. 54	Sec. on behalf of the SC and in consultation with the Chair of the AC.	General support but certain changes are needed in the wording of the amendments of the Resolution in Annex 1 and the draft decisions, in particular to reflect the outcome of SC75 (13/11/2022) and of the workshop held in June 2022. Support draft decisions in Annex 2.	(+)
55.	Registration of operations that breed Appendix-I animal species in captivity for commercial purposes CoP19 Doc. 55	United States of America	Oppose some parts of the rationale presented in the document and strongly oppose some of the proposed changes. Generally support the idea that commodities that are indicated in the registration are made public on the CITES website. The proposal that additional commodities require a new registration is opposed. Open to an exclusionary approach, i.e. extension of registration process to commodities that were explicitly excluded in the registration. With these amendments, the proposal may be accepted.	(-)
56.	Guidance on the term ‘artificially propagated’ CoP19 Doc. 56	PC	Support the adoption of the Draft Decisions in Annex 1. As questions regarding agarwood, the use of source code Y, and other issues remained open in the drafting process of the preliminary Guidance, oppose any possible change of the mandate for the revision of the guidance that could eventually lead to a weakening of current standards regarding source code “A”, “Y” and the definition of plantations.	+
57.	Specimens grown from wild-collected seeds or spores that are deemed to be artificially propagated CoP19 Doc. 57	PC in consultation with the Chair of the SC	Support deletion of Decisions 18.179 - 18.181 as work is completed.	+
Species specific matters
58.	West African vultures ( Accipitridae spp.) CoP19 Doc. 58	SC in consultation with the Sec.	Agree to adopt draft Decisions 19.AA to 19.FF replacing Decisions 18.186 to 18.192.	+
59.	Illegal trade in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) CoP19 Doc. 59	Ethiopia	Support the recommendations as illegal trade is an urgent threat. Recommend to include the Northwest African and Iranian subspecies into all considerations about combating illegal trade, to the relevant extent, and create a mechanism to inform and strengthen the work of the Big Cat Taskforce. Furthermore, SC78 and not SC77 should make recommendations to the CoP20.	(+)
60.	Conservation of amphibians (Amphibia spp.) CoP19 Doc. 60	AC	Support the recommendations as a sufficient data on amphibian species in international trade has not been collected.	+
61.	Eels (Anguilla spp.) CoP19 Doc. 61	SC in consultation with the Chair of the AC	Support the recommendations of the SC to adopt the draft decisions 19.AA to 19.DD presented in Annex 1.	+
62.	Agarwood-producing taxa (Aquilaria spp. and Gyrinops spp.)
	62.1	Report of the Plants Committee CoP19 Doc. 62.1	PC	Support the draft Decision only in the amended version by the Secretariat. Emphasize the need to take new information from Doc. 62.2, the proposed research therein, and of Information Document CoP19 Inf. 5 into account when revising Res. 16.10 and other relevant Resolutions. However, make clear that Res. 10.13 on Implementation of the Convention for tree species and other potential Resolutions must not be weakened regarding definitions and specifications of artificial propagation.	(+)
	62.2	The history and challenges of agarwood and CITES CoP19 Doc. 62.2	United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.	Support, or commend on the usefulness the compiled information. Request that potential results of the proposed research should be taken into account for any revisions of Res. 16.10 as per Draft Decision in Doc. 62.1.	(+)
63.	Boswellia trees (Boswellia spp.) CoP19 Doc. 63	PC	Support. The Draft Decisions provide a reasonable way forward to close gaps in knowledge and for potential future listing proposals by parties.	+
64.	Marine turtles (Cheloniidae spp. and Dermochelyidae spp.)
	64.1	Report of the Secretariat and of the Standing Committee CoP19 Doc. 64.1	SC, Sec.	Support the new proposal of the Secretariat to include certain draft decisions into a new resolution on marine turtles as proposed in doc 64.2 and renew the decision 18.217 (Rev. CoP19). Two marine turtle species are critically endangered, one is endangered, and all assessments of the IUCN predict a negative population trend. Increased efforts are needed to prevent the further decline and extinction. Support merging with 64.2.	(+)
	64.2	Conservation of marine turtles CoP19 Doc. 64.2	Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru and the United States of America	Support the new resolution with amendments proposed by the Secretariat. Support merging with 64.1.	(+)
65.	Sharks and rays (Elasmobranchii spp.) CoP19 Doc. 65	SC, AC, in consultation with the Sec. and the AC	Support the recommendations of the Standing Committee and the Animals Committee to adopt the draft decisions 19.AA to 19.FF contained in Annex 4 of the document. Long term financing is key to provide the necessary support to implementation of listings of marine species, and therefore the action in Decision 19.BB should not be subject to availability of external funding.	+
66.	Elephants (Elephantidae spp.)
	66.1	Implementation of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP18) on Trade in elephant specimens CoP19 Doc. 66.1	Sec. at the request of the SC	Support the set of decisions in Annex 1 linked to closure of domestic ivory markets. Support draft decisions in Annex 2 linked to trade in mammoth ivory, including the change as suggested by the CITES Secretariat. Support draft decisions in Annex 3 on trade in Asian elephants. Support draft decisions in Annex 4 related to the practical guidance on ivory stockpiles.	+
	66.2	Ivory stockpiles
		66.2.1	Ivory stockpiles: implementation of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP18) on Trade in elephant specimens CoP19 Doc. 66.2.1	Benin, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Liberia, Niger, Senegal and Togo	Acknowledge the need for proper reporting but share the opinion of the Secretariat that the reporting on ivory stockpiles and provision of technical support relating to stockpile management as contained in paragraph 7 e) and paragraph 11 of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP18) on Trade in elephant specimens are adequate, if Parties properly implement them, and that suggested new draft decisions contained in Annex 4 of CoP19 Doc. 66.1 are sufficient. Oppose new draft decision 19AA and BB as proposed, but support the amended set of decisions proposed by the Secretariat.	(-)
		66.2.2	Establishing a fund accessible to range States upon non-commercial disposal of ivory stockpiles CoP19 Doc. 66.2.2	Kenya	The EU is generally supportive of non-commercial disposal of ivory, but considers it is the sovereign right of each Party to decide how they manage their stockpiles, as long as they are properly managed. It is questionable whether an institutionalised funding process is necessary, which supports one of the disposal methods for just one type of specimens seized. Oppose the proposal as it is, a joint approach by all African elephant Range States would be more appropriate.	(-)
	66.3	Implementing aspects of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP18) on the closure of domestic ivory markets CoP19 Doc. 66.3	Benin, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Liberia, Niger, Senegal and Togo	The EU supports draft decision 19.AA, but questions the need of the changes introduced in draft decision 19.BB and 19.CC, as it is unclear what other type of relevant available information is referred to. We can support the decision 19.DD as revised by the Secretariat.	(-)
	66.4	Trade in live African elephants
		66.4.1	International trade in live African elephant specimens: Proposed revision to Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP18) on Trade in elephant specimens CoP19 Doc. 66.4.1	Benin, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Liberia, Niger, Senegal and Togo	The purpose of this document corresponds with the objective shared by the EU (see doc. 66.4.2) which is to restrict trade in live elephants to in situ conservation programmes with only limited exceptions. Open to discussing the way forward with the proponents to achieve the objective. However, oppose several elements of the proposal: a broader solution needs to be found on these different elements (interpretation of annotation 2, specific rules related to trade in live African elephants that consider exceptional ex situ transfers as well as the non-binding guidance on “housing and care” as well as “in situ conservation benefits”).	(-)
		66.4.2	Clarifying the framework: Proposal of the European Union. CoP19 Doc. 66.4.2	European Union and its Member States	Document submitted by the EU and its Member States.	+
	66.5	Report on Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) CoP19 Doc. 66.5	Sec.	Note the report.
	66.6	Report on the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) CoP19 Doc. 66.6	Sec.	Note the report.
	66.7	Review of the National Ivory Action Plan process CoP19 Doc. 66.7	Malawi, Senegal and the United States of America	The EU should support the review process provided that it is focused on the specific issues that have been identified in the document, not necessarily on the whole process, and without potentially weakening the process.	(+)
67.	CITES Big Cats Task Force (Felidae spp.) CoP19 Doc. 67	SC	Support the proposed draft decisions on revised terms of reference and modus operandi for the CITES Big Cats Task Force as agreed at the SC74, even though some modifications may be needed in line with Doc. 59 and 73.2, and the deletion of Decisions 18.245 and 18.248	+
68.	Asian big cats (Felidae spp.) CoP19 Doc. 68	Sec., in consultation with the Chair of the SC	General support to the document. Improvements to dec. 19.AA will be suggested to improve information exchange on forensic research projects, including genetic and other methods.	+
69.	Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.)
	69.1	Report of the Standing Committee CoP19 Doc. 69.1	SC	Support the recommendations of the Standing Committee to adopt the draft decisions 19.AA to 19.CC contained in Annex 1 of the document. Support in particular organising an expert workshop to discuss the implementation and enforcement of CITES for trade in Hippocampus spp.	+
	69.2	Next steps towards the successful implementation of the Appendix-II listing for seahorses CoP19 Doc. 69.2	Maldives, Monaco, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Togo, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America	Suggested to the proponents to consider merging the document with 69.1. as both documents have similar objectives. Important points which should be retained are including seahorses at the proposed NDF workshop (69.2) and organising an expert workshop to discuss the implementation and enforcement of CITES for trade in Hippocampus spp. (69.1).	(+)
70.	Rosewood timber species [Leguminosae (Fabaceae)] CoP19 Doc. 70	PC	Support the draft decisions as agreed by the Plants Committee on Rosewood Tree Species.	+
71.	Pangolins (Manis spp.)
	71.1	Report of the Standing Committee and the Animals Committee CoP19 Doc. 71.1	SC in consultation with the Chair of the AC	Support the recommendations, however additional points raised in doc. 71.2 could be added.	+
	71.2	Proposed amendments to Resolution Conf. 17.10 CoP19 Doc. 71.2	United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland	Support the proposed amendments as further action is needed to prevent illegal trade in pangolins. Support consolidated text of 71.1 and 71.2 as proposed by the Secretariat.	+
72.	African lions (Panthera leo) CoP19 Doc. 72	Sec. in consultation with the Chair of the SC	Support the suggestion of the AC, for further intersessional work on African lions (Panthera leo) and the adoption of the new Decision.	+
73.	Jaguars (Panthera onca)
	73.1	Report of the Standing Committee CoP19 Doc. 73.1	SC	Support deletion of Decisions 18.251 to 18.253 as recommended by the Secretariat and adoption of the draft decisions on jaguars in Annex 1 to the present document.	+
	73.2	Proposed amendments to the draft decisions on jaguars agreed at SC74 CoP19 Doc. 73.2	Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico and Peru	In principle support the Draft decisions if 19.DD b) (requests assessing the necessity for a specific Resolution on jaguars, which was not supported by the EU at CoP18) is deleted. Create a mechanism to inform and strengthen the work of the Big Cat Taskforce.	(+)
74.	Songbird trade and conservation management (Passeriformes spp.) CoP19 Doc. 74	AC	Support the recommendations of the Animals Committee to renew Decisions 18.256 to 18.259 on Songbird trade and conservation management (Passeriformes spp.) as funding became available.	+
75.	Rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae spp.) CoP19 Doc. 75	SC, Sec.	Support the document prepared by the Standing Committee and the Secretariat and the changes to Res. Conf. 9.14 (CoP17), as well as the set of decisions in Annex 3. Consider whether some elements of the Decision 18.110 addressed to Parties and proposed for deletion should be retained in Resolution 9.14 (CoP17) or in the decisions.	+
76.	Saiga antelope (Saiga spp.) CoP19 Doc. 76	SC.	Support decisions proposed by AC as amended by the Secretariat.	+
77.	Queen conch (Strombus gigas) CoP19 Doc. 77	Sec.	Support the draft decisions 19.AA to 19.DD in the Annex 1 to the present document and deleting Decisions 18.275 to 18.280, except Decision 18.278b, which should be maintained.	(+)
78.	Tortoises and freshwater turtles (Testudines spp.) CoP19 Doc. 78	Sec.	Agree that Decisions 18.286 to 18.291 have been implemented and may be deleted. Propose a follow up Decision which requests Madagascar to present a comprehensive conservation strategy for its threatened turtle species.	+
79.	African tree species CoP19 Doc. 79	PC	Support. Updating the list of African tree species and the related CITES processes contained in the Annex to document PC25 Doc. 28 is a necessary step.	+
80.	Marine ornamental fishes CoP19 Doc. 80	AC	Support to adopt the draft decisions 19.AA to 19.BB in the Annex 1 to the present document and delete Decisions 18.263 to 18.265.	+
81.	Neotropical tree species CoP19 Doc. 81	PC	Support. Updating the list of neotropical tree species and the related CITES processes included in the Annex to document PC25 Doc. 29 is a necessary step.	+
82.	Trade in medicinal and aromatic plant species CoP19 Doc. 82	PC	Support, but request that any potential new Resolution should not be limited to medicinal products, but should incorporate all types of products that contain specimens of medicinal and aromatic plant species.	+
83.	Identifying species at risk of extinction for CITES Parties CoP19 Doc. 83	The Gambia, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal	Oppose the draft Resolution establishing a new database, as the existing IUCN Red List is a sufficient basis for assessment. Oppose also the draft Decisions in Annex 2 in the current form; however, acknowledge the need of some range states for technical aid in elaborating listing proposals for species threatened by international trade that are not yet listed on CITES Appendices.	-
Maintenance of the Appendices
84.	Standard nomenclature
	84.1	Report of the Animals and Plants Committees CoP19 Doc. 84.1	AC, PC, prepared by their specialists on nomenclature	Support the adoption of the proposed Decisions and the renewal of Decisions from CoP18 as outlined in Doc. 84.1 and support the adoption of the revised Resolution Conf. 12.11 (Rev. CoP18) with respect to both Flora and Fauna.	+
	84.2	Standard nomenclature for Dipteryx spp. CoP19 Doc. 84.2	European Union and its Member States	Document submitted by the EU and its Member States.	+
	84.3	Standard nomenclature for Khaya spp. CoP19 Doc. 84.3	European Union and its Member States	Document submitted by the EU and its Member States.	+
	84.4	Standard nomenclature for Rhodiola spp. CoP19 Doc. 84.4	European Union and its Member States	Document submitted by the EU and its Member States.	+
85.	Annotations
	85.1	Report of the Standing Committee CoP19 Doc. 85.1	SC	Support to the document which was presented by the SC, and support the re-establishment of the Working Group.	+
	85.2	Information system for trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species CoP19 Doc. 85.2	SC, Sec.	Support, as it is important to identify and build on existing work, while avoiding duplication the work of ITTO.	+
	85.3	Informal review mechanism of existing and proposed annotations CoP19 Doc. 85.3	Chair of the SC in consultation with the Sec.	Support the proposed decision related to the informal review mechanism for existing and proposed annotations.	+
86.	Products containing specimens of Appendix-II orchids CoP19 Doc. 86	SC	Support draft decisions and deletion of Decisions 18.327 to 18.330.	+
87.	Amendments to Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17)
	87.1	Proposed amendments to Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) CoP19 Doc. 87.1	Botswana, Cambodia, Eswatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe	Oppose reopening of the Resolution 9.24. Open to discussion of certain elements of the proposal outside the scope of Res. 9.24.	-
	87.2	Aquatic species listed in the CITES Appendices: proposals for a new approach to the listing of sharks and rays CoP19 Doc. 87.2	Senegal	The footnote on “Application of decline for commercially exploited aquatic species” contained in Annex 5 to Res Conf. 9.24 (rev CoP17) refers to "commercially exploited aquatic species", which is an unclear expression which leads to misunderstandings. The EU agrees that there is a need for a revision of the footnote and can support establishment of an in-session working group, or an intersessional process to discuss the best way forward for all aquatic taxa with slow growth rates and a low reproductive output (not only for sharks and rays).	(+)
88.	Reservations entered after the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties CoP19 Doc. 88	Sec.	Support the proposals of the Secretariat regarding a new para 1 h) in Resolution 11.21 (Rev. CoP18) as well as a new para. 2f) in Resolution 4.6 (Rev. CoP18), as a possible alternative to the EUs textual proposals on the same issue in Doc. 66.4, para 14, given that the Secretariat’s proposals share the same intention and aim. Preliminary support for adoption of the Secretariat’s other proposed amendments to Res. Conf. 11.21, Res Conf. 4.6 (Rev. CoP18) and Res. Conf. 4.25 (Rev. CoP 18), however, some changes to the text may be proposed to improve the text, in particular to cover the case of split listings in Res. Conf. 4.25 (Rev. CoP18); to apply the provisions of Res Conf. 4.25 (Rev. CoP18) to plants as well, and to make sure the proposed changes to Res. Conf.4.6 (Rev. CoP18) take into account the link between the processes of amending resolutions and amending the annotations in which they are referred to.	(+)
Proposals to amend the Appendices
89.	Proposals to amend Appendices I and II		Listing proposals are addressed in Part 2 of this document, below.
	89.1	Secretariat’s assessment of the proposals to amend Appendices I and II CoP19 Doc. 89.1
	89.2	Comments from Parties CoP19 Doc. 89.2	Sec.
	89.3	Comments from statutory consultees CoP19 Doc. 89.3
Conclusion of the meeting
90.	Determination of the time and venue of the next regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties		No document
91.	Closing remarks (Observers, Parties, CITES Secretary-General, Host Government)		No document

2. LISTING PROPOSALS

No.

Taxon / Detail

Proposal

Proponent

Comments

Position

FAUNA - MAMMALIA

Hippopotamus amphibious (Hippopotamus)

II – I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Gabon, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo

Oppose. The population does not meet Appendix I listing criteria.

Acknowledge the need of enhanced conservation of the species in certain regions and open to discussing the way forward within Appendix II listing.

Ceratotherium simum simum (Southern white or southern square-lipped rhinoceros) (population of Namibia)

I – II

Transfer population of Namibia from App. I to App. II with the following annotation:

For the exclusive purpose of allowing international trade in:

a)	live animals for in-situ conservation only; and

b)	hunting trophies.

All other specimens shall be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly.

Botswana, Namibia

Biological criteria for downlisting seem to be met. However, data on reproduction and the population structure, as well as the effective population size and the fragmentation of the population are of concern. Therefore, only transfer to App. II of live animals for in-situ conservation purposes and to sites within the species natural and historical range in Africa can be supported. Transfer to App. II to allow trade in hunting trophies cannot be supported for precautionary reasons, as rhino horns originating from hunting trophies have been proven to enter illegal trade, and listing in App. II would lead to lower scrutiny of hunting trophies by importing Parties.

(-)

Ceratotherium simum simum (Southern white or southern square-lipped rhinoceros) (population of Eswatini)

Remove the existing annotation on the Appendix II listing of Eswatini’s population

Eswatini

Oppose. The population continues to meet App. II listing criteria, but removal of the annotation as proposed would not meet the precautionary safeguards set out in Para A. 2. a) in Annex 4 of Res. Conf. 9.24. Resumption of rhino horn trade would send a wrong signal at this point in time, given the high level of poaching and illegal trade. It would also undermine demand reduction action by many Parties for this species.

Loxodonta africana (African elephant) (populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe)

Amend Annotation 2 pertaining to the populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe

Proposed amendments are shown in strike through:

For the exclusive purpose of allowing:

a)	trade in hunting trophies for non-commercial purposes

b)	trade in live animals to appropriate and acceptable destinations, as defined in Resolution Conf. 11.20 (Rev. CoP17), for Botswana and Zimbabwe and for in situ conservation programmes for Namibia and South Africa;

c)	trade in hides;

d)	trade in hair;

e)	trade in leather goods for commercial or non-commercial purposes for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe;

f)	trade in individually marked and certified ekipas incorporated in finished jewellery for non-commercial purposes for Namibia and ivory carvings for non-commercial purposes for Zimbabwe;

trade in registered raw ivory (for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, whole tusks, and pieces) subject to the following:

i)	only registered government-owned stocks, originating in the State (excluding seized ivory and ivory of unknown origin);

ii)

only to trading partners that have been verified by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Standing Committee, to have sufficient national legislation and domestic trade controls to ensure that the imported ivory will not be re-exported and will be managed in accordance with all requirements of Resolution Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP17) concerning domestic manufacturing and trade;

iii)	not before the Secretariat has verified the prospective importing countries and the registered government-owned stocks;

iv)	the proceeds of the trade are used exclusively for elephant conservation and community conservation and development programmes within or adjacent to the elephant range; and

On a proposal from the Secretariat, the Standing Committee can decide to cause this trade to cease partially or completely in the event of non-compliance by exporting or importing countries, or in the case of proven detrimental impacts of the trade on other elephant populations.

All other specimens shall be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly.

Zimbabwe

Oppose in the current state as the requested change would result in opening up international ivory trade, and therefore does not respect the precautionary measures in Annex 4 to Res. Conf. 9.24. If there would be agreement at the CoP19 about the effects of a reservation to changes to an annotation (former annotation would remain in place), and changes to the annotation would be limited to deletion of redundant parts on the former one-off sales and/or deletion of the reference to the resolution in a manner that is in line with EU proposed document 66.4.2, EU could vote in favour of a change.

(-)

Loxodonta africana (African elephant) (populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe)

II – I

Transfer populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe from Appendix II to Appendix I

Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Senegal

These 4 populations do not meet the criteria for listing in Appendix I.

Cynomys mexicanus (Mexican prairie dog)

I – II

Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II

Mexico

Criteria for Appendix I listing are no longer fulfilled. Since the species was listed in Appendix I of CITES in 1975, only two international trade transactions have been recorded (both involving samples for scientific purposes). The Mexican Law Enforcement Authority (PROFEPA) reported that from 2013 to 2019, at the national level, nine specimens were seized. There is no official record of the sale of specimens of this species, nor is there a national or international market that threatens its wild populations.

FAUNA – AVES

Branta canadensis leucopareia (Aleutian cackling goose)

I - II

Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II

United States of America

Support the proposal. The population of this subspecies has well recovered from the brink of extinction in the 1960's to a population of 162 000 today which is well managed through regulated hunting. No illegal trade is reported.

Kittacincla malabarica (White-rumped Shama)

Include in Appendix II

Malaysia, Singapore

Support the proposal, as the species meets Appendix II listing criteria. Due to its singing ability, this species is one of the most valuable species in the South-East Asian cage bird trade and belongs to the most important species used in singing competitions.

Pycnonotus zeylanicus (Straw-headed bulbul)

II - I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

Malaysia, Singapore, United States of America

Support the proposal. This species meets the biological criteria in Annex 1 of Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17).

10.

Phoebastria albatrus (Short-tailed albatross)

I - II

Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II

United States of America

Support the proposal as the international trade is no longer a threat and there is no longer a significant demand for the species. However, as the population is still very small and vulnerable, the US and other range states should be encouraged to ensure that appropriate conservation measures are undertaken to ensure a stable, increasing population.

FAUNA – REPTILIA

11.

Caiman latirostris (Broad-snouted caiman) (population of Brazil)

I - II

Transfer the population of Brazil from Appendix I to Appendix II

Brazil

Support, as the species is widespread and abundant in many places since the 1990ies and faces no risk of extinction in the foreseeable future. The precautionary measures according to Annex 4 paragraph A 2 a ii) of Res. 9.24 (rev.) are met and retaining it in Appendix I according to Article II paragraph 1 of the Convention would not be justified.

12.

Crocodylus porosus (Saltwater crocodile) (population of the Palawan Islands (Philippines)

I - II

Transfer the population of the Palawan Islands (Philippines) from Appendix I to Appendix II with a zero export quota for wild specimens

Philippines

Support, as the species is neither globally not locally threatened and the zero export quota for wild specimens provide a precautionary measure according to Annex 4 paragraph A 2 a iii) of Res. 9.24 (rev.).

13.

Crocodylus siamensis (Siamese Crocodile) (population of Thailand)

I - II

Transfer the population of Thailand from Appendix I to Appendix II with a zero quota for wild specimens

Thailand

Oppose, as the wild population remains very small and threatened by extinction. The biological criteria for Appendix I listing are still met.

14.

Physignathus cocincinus (Indo-Chinese Water Dragon)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

European Union, Viet Nam

EU proposal

15.

Cyrtodactylus jeyporensis (Jeypore hill gecko)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

India

Support, as Appendix II criteria seem to be met. The species is restricted to few locations and probably has a small population size. The species is currently not threatened by extinction, but in relation to the population size, demand in trade is high enough to represent a threat to the survival of the species.

16.

Tarentola chazaliae (Helmethead gecko)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Mauritania, Senegal

The species is at least occasionally traded in high numbers which can threaten local populations and the continuity of the range. Regulation of trade under Appendix II is necessary to prevent detrimental trade which has the potential to threaten the species.

17.

Phrynosoma platyrhinos (Desert horned lizard)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

United States of America

Oppose, as there is no compliance with the criteria. Trade levels decreased during recent years and there is no indication of population declines which could threaten the species in the foreseeable future.

18.

Phrynosoma spp. (Horned Lizards)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Mexico

The proposal cannot be supported as it stands but the listing of certain species which fulfil the criteria can be considered.

(-)

19.

Tiliqua adelaidensis (Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard)

0 - I

Include in Appendix I

Australia

Support. The species meets several listing criteria outlined in Annex 1 paragraphs B and C.

20.

Epicrates inornatus (Puerto Rican boa)

I - II

Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II

United States of America

Support to the proposal. This species is not threatened anymore and there is low demand. Therefore, the species no longer meets Appendix I criteria.

21.

Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

United States of America

Oppose, as international trade is so low that it cannot threaten this common and widespread species and the listing criteria are not met.

22.

Chelus fimbriata and C. orinocensis (Amazon matamata and Orinoco matamata)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru

The proposal presents inconsistent data about the source of specimens in legal and illegal trade and lacks current population data. In its current form, the proposal neither demonstrates that the species are threatened, nor that trade has detrimental influence on its survival. The proposal could be supported if the proponents provide evidence that the illegally traded specimens originated from the wild and/or that illegally ranched specimens are laundered into the breeding farms, and this cannot be prevented without listing the species in Appendix II. The EU position will be finalized when additional information is received from Peru.

(+)

23.

Macrochelys temminckii and Chelydra serpentine (Alligator Snapping Turtle and Common Snapping Turtle)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

United States of America

Oppose the proposal as it was submitted but support the inclusion of only Macrochelys temminckii in Appendix II. Listing Chelydra serpentina according to Article II 2 b would not facilitate the effective control of trade in Macrochelys temminckii, would cause even greater look-alike issues in regard to Chelydra rossingnonii and C. acutirostris and increase the trade pressure on these vulnerable species.

(-)

24.

Graptemys barbouri, G. ernsti, G. gibbonsi, G. pearlensis and G. pulchra (Barbour's map turtle, Escambia map turtle, Pascagoula map turtle, Pearl River map turtle, Alabama map turtle)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

United States of America

International trade in all the five species is so low and (almost) only in source C that it is not expected to negatively impact them. Appendix II criteria are not met. While it is demonstrated that all the species are affected by multiple threats, there is no indication that trade is among them.

(-)

25.

Batagur kachuga (Red-crowned Roofed Turtle)

II - I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

India

Support to the proposal. This species clearly meets Appendix I listing criteria. Species is threatened and natural habitat is difficult to protect.

26.

Cuora galbinifrons (Indochinese Box Turtle)

I - II

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

European Union, Viet Nam

EU proposal

27.

Rhinoclemmys spp. (Neotropical wood turtles)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama

Only Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima and R. punctularia seem to be traded in conservation relevant numbers but the main exporter Nicaragua allows only trade in captive bred specimens and there is no evidence for conservation-relevant non-compliance. All species can be identified according to their head, neck and shell coloration. Accordingly, Article II 2 a or b seems not to be met for all species and the proposal as it was submitted shall not be supported, but support for a reduced proposal could be considered.

(-)

28.

Claudius angustatus (Narrow-bridged Musk Turtle)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Mexico

Support to the proposal. Criterion B of Annex 2a is fulfilled as legal and illegal harvest from the wild probably has a conservation relevant volume.

29.

Kinosternon spp. (Mud turtles)

0 - I

0 - II

Include Kinosternon cora and K. vogti in Appendix I and all other species of Kinosternon spp. in Appendix II

Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, United States of America

The EU could support a narrower proposal if the proponents decide to limit it to those species for which it can be demonstrated that they meet the listing criteria, especially that these species are significantly traded. K. cora and K. vogti seem to qualify for listing in Appendix I; further species of the genus seem to qualify for listing in Appendix II, but many species are neither threatened nor is trade reported.

(-)

30.

Staurotypus salvinii and S. triporcatus (Mexican giant musk turtle)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

El Salvador, Mexico

Support. Listing of Staurotypus triporcatus is justified, as there is a high demand in trade. It is not clear, if Staurotypus salvinii meets the biological criteria for Appendix II, but distinguishing it from Staurotypus triporcatus is difficult and trade probably does not differentiate between the two species, so it most likely still meets the look-alike criterion of Res 9.24 (criterion A of Annex 2 b).

31.

Sternotherus spp. (Musk Turtle)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

United States of America

Sternotherus depressus would meet the criteria for inclusion in Appendix I better than for Appendix II. The only congener which has any resemblance with S. depressus is S. intermedius, but this species is rare in trade and cannot facilitate relevant wildlife laundering. Other species are harvested and traded in high numbers, but without evidence that this causes a threat. Although the proposal does not fully meet the listing criteria, support for a reduced proposal, especially the inclusion of S. depressus in Appendix II, can be considered.

(+)

32.

Apalone spp. (Softshell turtle)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II (except the subspecies included in Appendix I)

United States of America

Criterion B of Annex 2a could be fulfilled, however there is a lack of relevant population data, which makes it difficult to evaluate the impact of trade on wild populations. There is only few evidence for poaching in wild Apalone spp. Based on very high demand, precautionary measures should be applied and proposal should be supported.

33.

Nilssonia leithii (Leith's Softshell Turtle)

II – I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I

India

Support the proposal as criteria for listing in Appendix I are met. Severe population decline (over 90 % in the past 30 years) which seems to be ongoing. One of the main threat is demand for food and for traditional Asian medicine.

FAUNA - AMPHIBIA

34.

Centrolenidae spp. (Glass Frogs)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Gabon, Guinea, Niger, Panama, Peru, Togo, United States of America

The listing criterion for Appendix II listing are clearly not met by the whole family with its 158 species. As the listing criteria are not met, the proposal should not be supported.

(-)

35.

Agalychnis lemur (Lemur leaf Frog)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II with a zero annual export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes

Colombia, Costa Rica, European Union, Panama

EU proposal

36.

Laotriton laoensis (Laos warty newt)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II with a zero export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes

European Union

EU proposal

FAUNA – ELASMOBRANCHII (Sharks)

37.

Carcharhinidae spp. (Grey reef shark, dusky shark, smalltail shark, Ganges shark, sandbar shark, Borneo shark, Pondicherry shark, smoothtooth blacktip shark, sharptooth lemon shark, Caribbean reef shark, daggernose shark, night shark, whitenose shark, blacknose shark, whitecheek shark, lost shark, Pacific smalltail shark, Borneo broadfin shark and the broadfin shark)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Bangladesh, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, European Union, Gabon, Israel, Maldives, Panama, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Co-proposed by the EU

38.

Sphyrnidae spp. (Hammerhead shark)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, European Union, Panama

EU proposal

39.

Potamotrygon albimaculata, P. henlei, P. jabuti, P. leopoldi, P. marquesi, P. signata and P. wallacei (Tapajós freshwater stingray, bigtooth river stingray, pearl freshwater stingray, white-blotched river stingray, Marques's freshwater stingray, Parnaiba river stingray, cururu stingray)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Brazil

Unclear whether all species meet the listing criteria, and whether the listing would help to fight illegal trade. The application of the look-alike criteria is inconsistent.

(-)

40.

Rhinobatidae spp. (Guitarfish)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

Israel, Kenya, Panama, Senegal

Support, as most species are endangered and subject to intense fishing pressure. Listing as appendix II will not only ensure that international trade is non detrimental to the survival of these species, but also enable the collection of better trade data. Several species could become eligible for inclusion in Appendix I in the future if trade is not regulated.

41.

Hypancistrus zebra (zebra pleco)

0 - I

Include in Appendix I

Brazil

The proposal in the current form should not be supported. However, the EU could support a proposal for a listing in Appendix II. The species might fulfil the biological criteria for Appendix I, however, while some illegal trade from Brazil apparently exists, it is unclear how this trade influences wild populations.

(-)

FAUNA – HOLOTHUROIDEA

42.

Thelenota spp. (Pineapple sea cucumber, giant sea cucumber, Red-lined sea cucumber)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II

European Union, Seychelles, United States of America

EU proposal

FLORA (PLANTS)

43.

Apocynaceae, Cactaceae, Cycadaceae, Dicksoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Gnetaceae, Liliaceae, Magnoliaceae, Nepenthaceae, Orchidaceae, Papaveraceae, Podocarpaceae, Sarraceniaceae, Trochodendraceae, Zamiaceae, Zingiberaceae

Flora species with annotation #1, #4, #14 and Appendix-I listed species of Orchidaceae spp. (orchids)

Amend Annotation #1 to read as follows: All parts and derivatives, except: […] b) seedling or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, transported in sterile containers;

Amend Annotation #4 to read as follows: All parts and derivatives, except: […] b) seedling or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, in solid or, transported in sterile containers;

Amend Annotation #14 to read as follows: All parts and derivatives except: […] b) seedling or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, transported in sterile containers; […] f) finished products packaged and ready for retail trade,; this exemption does not apply to wood chips, beads, prayer beads and carvings.

Amend paragraph f) of the text in French of Annotation #14 to read as follows: f) les produits finis conditionnés et prêts pour la vente au détail; cette dérogation ne s’applique pas aux copeaux en de bois, aux perles, aux grains de chapelets et aux gravures.

Amend the parenthetical annotation to Appendix I Orchidaceae in the Appendices to read as follows: ORCHIDACEAE Orchids (For all of the following Appendix-I species, seedling or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, and transported in sterile containers are not subject to the provisions of the Convention only if the specimens meet the definition of ‘artificially propagated’ agreed by the Conference of the Parties).

Canada

Support, as it is a necessary amendment to harmonize all occurrences of the phrase “in solid or liquid media” in the CITES Appendices and in hash-series annotations.

FLORA – BIGNONIACEAE

44.

Handroanthus spp., Roseodendron spp. and Tabebuia spp. (Trumpet trees)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II with annotation #17 (Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood and transformed wood.)

Colombia, European Union, Panama

EU proposal

FLORA – CRASSULACEAE

45.

Rhodiola spp. (Big flower rhodiola, Rhodiola)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II with annotation #2 (All parts and derivatives except: a) seeds and pollen; and b) finished products packaged and ready for retail trade.)

China, European Union, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America

EU proposal

FLORA – LEGUMINOSAE

46.

Afzelia spp.

(African populations) (African mahogany)

0 – II

Include all African populations in Appendix II with annotation #17 (Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood and transformed wood.)

Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, European Union, Liberia, Senegal

EU proposal

47.

Dalbergia sissoo (North Indian rosewood)

II - 0

Delete from Appendix II

India, Nepal

In principle, oppose the proposal as distinguishing this species from others requires specialised expertise. If proponents can provide additional evidence on identification techniques readily available for CITES authorities, the position can be reconsidered.

48.

Dipteryx spp. (Cumaru, Tonka)

0 - II

Include in Appendix II with annotation "Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood, transformed wood and seeds"

Colombia, European Union, Panama

EU proposal

49.

Paubrasilia echinata (Pernambuco wood, Brazilwood)

II – I

Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix I with annotation "All parts, derivatives and finished products, including bows of musical instruments, except musical instruments and their parts, composing travelling orchestras, and solo musicians carrying musical passports in accordance with Res. 16.8."

Brazil

The text of the annotation is unclear. and the EU can support the proposal only if the proposal is amended.

While there is agreement that increased control of trade in the species is needed and all exports from Brazil, including blanks and finished bows, should be covered, excessive administrative burden unnecessary for the conservation of the species has to be avoided and the specific needs of bow makers duly taken into account. EU cannot agree with a reference to a resolution in an annotation.

(+)

50.

Pterocarpus spp.

(African populations) (African bloodwood, Eared bloodwood, African rosewood, small-leaved bloodwood, round-leaved bloodwood, African padauk)

0 - II

Include all African populations in Appendix II with annotation #17 (Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheers, plywood and transformed wood) and amend annotations of Pterocarpus erinaceus and P. tinctorius, already listed in Appendix II, to annotation #17

Côte d'Ivoire, European Union, Liberia, Senegal, Togo

EU proposal

FLORA – MELIACEAE

51.

Khaya spp. (African mahogany)

Include all African populations in Appendix II with annotation #17 (Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood and transformed wood.)

Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, European Union, Liberia, Senegal

EU proposal

FLORA – ORCHIDACEAE

52.

Orchidaceae spp. (Orchids)

Amend Annotation #4, with the addition of new paragraph g), to read: ‘g) finished products packaged and ready for retail trade of cosmetics containing parts and derivatives of Bletilla striata, Cycnoches cooperi, Gastrodia elata, Phalaenopsis amabilis or P. lobbii’

Switzerland

Oppose, It can’t be excluded that material of W or Y origin will be used in the cosmetics in the future. Based on this, a precautionary approach is suggested unless the Annotation is changed to exclude source codes "W" and "Y”. The current proposal is problematic with regard to avoid the risk of wildlife laundering.

(1) Sec. = CITES Secretariat

SC = Standing Committee

AC = Animals Committee

PC = Plants Committee

ANNEX IIa

Amendment to Appendix III to CITES

Papilio phorbanta Appendix III