IELP Goes to The Hague to Protect Endangered Species

June 13, 2007

The Hague, Netherlands

Once again the elephant discussion was like a day of false labor. All day long the debate on elephants was pushed back, until, finally, it became clear that the issue would not be discussed before Committee I. Instead, it would go before a round-table discussion of Environmental Ministers. The politics behind this debate often out-shadow everything else!

In addition, the Tiger Coalition had a big win today. With the tag line “The Eyes of the World are Watching,” the Tiger Coalition saw the Parties in Committee II approve the proposal to support limiting the shocking practice of “tiger farming.” As a result of this proposal, any country that engages in this practice must limit it to conservation purposes only and must agree not to trade, even domestically, in tigers, tiger parts, or tiger derivatives for any other purpose. Glimpsing yet more of CITES’ interesting twists and turns, Bhutan delivered a stirring soliloquy in order to support the proposal by recommending to strengthen the wording of the proposal by changing the “shoulds” to “shalls.” Exchanging for the moment his position as the delegate for Bhutan, he became instead the delegate for “the Tiger,” delivering a lengthy discourse, interspersed frequently with a reminder to “Mr. Chair” and the assembled delegates that “this is the Tiger speaking.” He made a smooth but impassioned speech on the tiger’s plight and the urgent, immediate need for increased protection.

Such galvanizing creatures as tigers pull together interesting coalitions on the floor of this auspicious forum. Bhutan’s proposal for amendment found support from India, Nepal, Russia, and the U.S. The U.S. furthered Bhutan’s recommendation for amendment with its own proposed amendment to add language that requires countries that allow tiger farming to not only limit the trade to conservation purposes, but also to take active measures to reduce the practice of tiger farming. China expressed strong opposition to these proposed amendments. Given the evident difference in views, and the fact that the countries submitting the proposals had not consolidated their support prior to the session, the Chair recommended that Bhutan, India, Nepal, Russia, and the U.S. use the lunch break to confer and return with a confirmed combined amendment.

As with the elephants, the tiger has captivated the attention of the world and there has been much build up to this vote during the convention. Last Wednesday, June 6, the International Tiger Coalition in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) had an unveiling ceremony of the world’s largest tiger photo mosaic at the entrance to the convention. The mosaic, made up of photos of over 26,000 people, is a call to end the tiger trade. Then at the Monday, June 11 reception for the tiger, the keynote speaker, Mr. Valmik Thapar, had us riveted with his dynamic, impassioned speech to protect this beautiful big cat. A large, imposing, and captivating speaker, Mr. Thapar spoke from his experience of thirty years of research and conservation work with this powerful, mysterious, endangered animal.

Go to this website for a look at the tiger mosaic. http://panda.org/ how_you_can_help/ campaign/endtigertrade/ viewer.cfm

Go to these websites for a look at the fiery, steadfast tiger conservationist – Mr. Thapar.

http://www.pbs.org/ wnet/nature/india/ html/behind.html

http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m1170/ is_2001_Nov-Dec/ ai_79807572

So the climaxes surge and ebb in this arena. The combined amendment won the day. To be sure, today’s vote is a step in the right direction. And while those people dedicated to achieving today’s positive outcome in support of this proposal to limit the practice of tiger farming, it was in their regard only “a step in the right direction”; one win in the long battle not simply to limit abominable practices but to end threats to this endangered species altogether.

The Dutch government concluded the night with a reception by at the Binnenhof, the Dutch Parliament buildings. (See picture at link below.) The good food and drink, and even some dancing in this medieval setting, led to new acquaintances and conversations covering many aspects of this shared experience called CITES from our many divergent perspectives. Even though it was scheduled to conclude at 8:30 (excuse me, 20:30 per European notation), our hosts worked hard to convince us that it was time to leave at 21:00. With that, many of those attending simply moved outside and continued conversations in the courtyard, enjoying the companionship formed inside this ancient castle. The lovely night gave no hint of trading off the light of day. http://wassenaardailyphoto. blogspot.com/2007/ 05/binnenhof.html

Links

CITES Secretariat
Species Survival Network