IELP Goes to The Hague to Protect Endangered Species

June 4, 2007

The Hague, Netherlands

Hello All! I am Maura Sullivan, and I will report on the events of Monday, June 4, 2007.

Monday was the official start of the 14th Conference of the Parties to CITES and commenced with a Plenary meeting. The meeting began with several procedural matters. Of particular interest to IELP and the SSN, Uganda withdrew its proposal to transfer the Uganda leopard population from the more protective Appendix I to the less protective Appendix II. Chris Wold, Director of IELP, hypothesized that Uganda realized that it did not have adequate scientific data to completely downlist this species. Based on a conversation that Jason and I had with the Delegate from Uganda, IELP expects that Uganda will submit a proposal to establish an export trophy hunting quota of 28 leopards.

Next, Chair Persons of various committees summarized work completed within the period of 2004-2007. The Chair of the Standing Committee noted concerns that arose within this period. Stating that the “survival of tigers is deteriorating,” he noted that tigers are “beyond endangered” and that this situation needs to be addressed. Further, he noted that many countries have not complied with CITES enforcement mandates, and he requested that China submit enforcement reports regarding the tiger trade and that Egypt submit enforcement reports on primate and ivory trade. The Plants Committee Chair highlighted problems within trade management of seven species of medicinal plants from the Himalayas. In addition, the Plants Committee Chair thanked The Netherlands and Brazil for their work on sustainable management of timber species. However, she noted concern with the lack of timber population and management studies. The Chair urged caution in establishing timber export quotas, and stressed the importance of accurate non detrimental findings for such exports. Finally, a representative from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime stressed the importance of international cooperation in the fight against organized crime, and noted that her Office strongly supports the CITES objective of eliminating criminal wildlife trafficking.

After the Plenary meeting, IELP Student Representatives attended several Species Survival Network (SSN) strategy meetings to prepare for the two week lobbying at the CoP. Organizations hold receptions during the CoP as one method to engage Delegates in dialogues concerning CITES proposals. IELP Student Representatives discussed with SSN Representatives appropriate strategies to use when lobbying the Delegates at Monday evening’s SSN reception. IELP Student Representatives were charged with persuading Delegates to support Germany’s (on behalf of the European Union) proposal to add spiny dogfish and porbeagle sharks, and Spanish cedar to Appendix II, and the United States’ proposal to list the banggai cardinalfish on Appendix II. Further, IELP hoped to convince Delegates to support Kenya’s proposal to remove Namibia’s trophy hunting quota of 5 black rhinos. Thanks to the vast knowledge of several SSN representatives, such as Lewis & Clark’s own Professors Chris Wold and Erica Thorson of IELP, Kris Genovese of Defenders of Wildlife, Ari Hershowitz of Natural Resources Defense Council, Carroll Muffet of Greenpeace, D.J. Schubert of Animal Welfare Institute, Will Travers and Adam Roberts of the Born Free Foundation, and Teresa Telecky of Humane Society International, IELP Student Representative were well equipped to lobby CITES Party Delegates.

The SSN Reception was a fascinating experience. Understanding the importance and magnitude of their mission, IELP Student Representatives branched off from the security of their own friendships and began to make connections with Delegates from around the world. IELP Student Representatives lobbied Delegates from the United States, Kenya, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Congo, Canada, Ecuador, Mauritius, Romania, Serbia, and more. Jason used his fluency in French to communicate with the French speaking Delegates, and Bethany used her knowledge of the Spanish language to communicate with Spanish speaking Delegates. Natasha’s easy going manner and sense of humor appealed to every English speaking Delegate, and will likely prove to be her secret persuasive weapon. Taking the position that “less is more,” Colin efficiently conveyed SSN positions to several Delegates while at the same time eliminating the needless chit chat that is often involved in social cocktail events. Paula approached the event with sophistication and integrity, and SSN members frequently commented on Paula’s positive contribution to the SSN mission.

Jason and I learned that it is truly a small world. Jason realized that the Delegate from the Congo was a person he worked with years ago in Gabon. I later realized that this same Delegate was good friends with Dr. Annelisa Kilbourn, an inspirational woman dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and one with whom I previously worked in Chicago. It was wonderful to make such connections.

At the end of the evening, IELP Student Representatives enjoyed kicking back with Professors Chris Wold and Erica Thorson. Not only did we recount the events of the day, we laughed about the adventures of reaching The Hague, particularly Erica’s first train ride in The Hague. Chris mentioned his true admiration of the fashion statements IELP Student Representatives have made at the CITES CoP. In general, after two semesters together as participants in Lewis & Clark’s renowned IELP, we all enjoy getting to know the human side of the professors/law students.

Links

CITES Secretariat
Species Survival Network