The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the EU’s strategic objectives in preparation for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which will take place in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) this coming 24 November through 5 December.
The European Parliament wants to eliminate all illegal trade by 2030. To achieve this, it has recommended strengthening the hitherto inadequate application of the United Nations convention regarding bans and restrictions on trade in protected species.
The EU and its Member States have been called upon to criminalise the possession of illegally sourced wildlife. The European Parliament has called for a positive EU list of species that can be kept as pets to be drawn up. To combat crime related to wild fauna, the European Parliament has also recommended putting a detailed EU information system in place to improve the traceability of trade.
It will be necessary to better protect sharks and rays from illegal and unsustainable trade, to stop ivory trafficking in the EU by means of a legally binding instrument, and to combat illegal trade in aquatic species, such as eels.
A delegation of five MEPs will participate in the conference from 24 to 26 November. (Original version in French by Florent Servia)