Outcomes of species proposals: 19th Conference of the Parties

Introduction

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) held its 19th Conference of the Parties (CoP19) from November 14 to November 25, 2022 in Panama City, Panama.

The Canadian delegation was led by Environment and Climate Change Canada and included representatives from:

• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Natural Resources Canada
• Nunatsiavut Government
• Makivik Corporation
• Youth delegate

The Canadian positions on species proposals and working documents were developed through consultation with government agencies and stakeholders. Species proposals were carefully reviewed and the information was evaluated against the CITES listing criteria. Below is a summary of the outcomes of the species proposals.

19.01 (Rev. I) – Retain listing for the Common hippopotamus on Appendix II with the following annotation: “A zero export quota for wild specimens traded for commercial purposes.”

Proponent(s)

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

Result

Rejected

The original proposal had been to transfer the Common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) from Appendix II to Appendix I. Canada would not have supported that proposal as the biological criteria for Appendix I are not met. The 10 proponents revised the proposal prior to the CoP to retain the species on Appendix II with an annotation for a zero export quota across the species range for wild specimens traded for commercial purposes. During the discussions of the revised proposal, the European Union proposed an amendment such that zero quota would apply only to the 10 proponent countries; the amended annotation was: “A zero export quota for wild specimens traded for commercial purposes for the populations of Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Gabon, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo”. Canada supported this amendment, but it was rejected after a vote with 58 in favour, 51 against, and 14 abstentions. The original proposal as revised by the 10 proponents in advance of the CoP was then also voted on and was rejected with 56 in favour, 56 against and 13 abstentions. Canada voted against this proposal as it would have imposed significant trade restrictions on countries where hippopotamus populations are large, stable and well managed. The discussion was re-opened during plenary following a request by Togo, supported by Niger. The original proposal as revised by the proponents in advance of the CoP was then put to another vote, and was rejected a second time with 53 in favour, 58 against and 21 abstentions.

19.02 – Transfer of the population of White rhinoceros (population of Namibia) from Appendix I to Appendix II with an annotation

Proponent(s)

Botswana, Namibia

Result

Amended proposal adopted

The original proposal was to transfer the White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) population of Namibia from Appendix I to Appendix II with an annotation specifying that the transfer would be for the exclusive purpose of allowing international trade in a) live animals for in-situ conservation only; and b) hunting trophies. All other specimens would be deemed to be specimens of species included in Appendix I and the trade in them shall be regulated accordingly. The European Union and its member states, supported by the Central African Republic and Uganda proposed an amendment to specify that trade in live specimens be further restricted by adding to the end of paragraph a) “and only within the species’s natural and historical range in Africa”, and by deleting paragraph b) from the annotation. The proponents agreed to this amendment and it was adopted after a vote with 83 voting in favour, 31 against and 13 abstentions. Canada supported the amended proposal.

19.03 – Remove the annotation for White rhinoceros (population of Eswatini)

Proponent(s)

Eswatini

Result

Amended proposal rejected

The original proposal was to reduce trade controls by removing the annotation for White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) population of Eswatini. The proponent highlighted the progress made in the management of the species and the reduction in poaching in the population. The proponent also proposed the following amendment to the proposal: “An 18-month delay in exercising such an annotation removal shall apply to give the CITES Secretariat and identified trading States time to ensure that all trade control mechanisms are properly and transparently negotiated and implemented. Such oversight shall apply to every consignment”. The amended proposal was rejected after a vote with 15 in favour, 85 against and 26 abstentions. Canada did not support the amended proposal as it would have allowed for trade in all rhino parts and derivatives including raw horn.

19.04 – Amendment of the annotation #2 for African elephant (populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe)

Proponent(s)

Zimbabwe

Result

Rejected

This proposal sought to amend the annotation that applies to the Appendix II African elephant (Loxodonta africana) populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe by removing of some of the strict conditions for African elephant ivory trade that apply to those populations. The proposal contained three elements: (1) amendments to allow trade in leather goods for commercial purposes; (2) amendment to the trade conditions for sale of registered ivory (paragraph g) of annotation # 2), resulting in commercial trade in raw ivory; and (3) deletion of paragraph h) of the annotation as the conditions outlined in the text have expired.

Canada did not support amendments allow for commercial trade in raw ivory and would have supported the proposal only if this amendment (element 2 above) was withdrawn. Following debate during which a number of Parties expressed concerns regarding this aspect of the proposal (element 2), the proponents requested their proposal as submitted be put to a vote. The proposal was rejected with 15 in favour, 83 against and 17 abstentions. Canada did not support the proposal. The discussion was re-opened in plenary, when Zimbabwe reduced the scope of their initial proposal by removing the provisions for commercial ivory trade, and retaining only the changes relating to trade in leather goods (element 1 above). Canada supported this amended proposal, but it was rejected by Parties after a vote with 53 in favour, 48 against and 32 abstentions.

19.05 – Transfer African elephant (populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe) from Appendix II to Appendix I

Proponent(s)

Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Senegal

Result

Rejected

The proposal to transfer African elephant (Loxodonta africana) populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe from Appendix II to Appendix I was rejected after a vote with 44 in favour, 59 against and 13 abstentions. Canada did not support the proposal taking into account that populations in southern Africa are large and stable, do not meet the CITES listing criteria for Appendix I and have a history of robust management in the four relevant range States.

19.06 – Transfer Mexican prairie dog from Appendix I to Appendix II

Proponent(s)

Mexico

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer the Mexican prairie dog (Cynomys mexicanus) from Appendix I to Appendix II, consistent with the recommendation of the Animals Committee as a result of the Periodic Review conducted for this species. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.07 – Transfer Aleutian cackling goose from Appendix I to Appendix II

Proponent(s)

United States of America

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer the Aleutian cackling goose (Branta canadensis leucopareia) from Appendix I to Appendix II, consistent with the recommendation of the Animals Committee as a result of the Periodic Review conducted for this species. The proposal was adopted by consensus. This species was historically found in Canada.

19.08 – Include White-rumped shama in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

Malaysia, Singapore

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to include the White-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus^{Footnote 1}) in Appendix II. High levels of harvest and international trade suggested that regulation of trade under Appendix II was warranted. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.09 – Transfer Straw-headed bulbul from Appendix II to Appendix I

Proponent(s)

Malaysia, Singapore, United States of America

Result

Amended proposal adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer Straw-headed bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus) from Appendix II to Appendix I. The species meets the biological criteria for Appendix I. The species has rapidly declined (over 80% in the last three generations) and it has now a very small population. The proponents amended the proposal to include a one-year delay for implementation. The amended proposal was adopted by consensus. Because of the amendment for delayed implementation, this transfer to Appendix I listing will enter into effect November 25, 2023.

19.10 – Transfer Short-tailed albatross from Appendix I to Appendix II

Proponent(s)

United States of America

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer the Short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) from Appendix I to Appendix II, consistent with the recommendation of the Animals Committee as a result of the Periodic Review conducted for this species. The proposal was adopted by consensus. This species is found in Canada but is not in international trade.

19.11 – Transfer the population of Brazil of Broad-snouted crocodile from Appendix I to Appendix II

Proponent(s)

Brazil

Result

Amended proposal adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer the Broad-snouted crocodile (Caiman latirostris) population of Brazil from Appendix I to Appendix II. The proponent proposed an amendment to the annotation to read “with a zero annual export quota for wild specimens traded for commercial processes”. The amended proposal was adopted by consensus.

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

Proponent(s)

Philippines

Result

Amended proposal adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer the Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) population of Palawan Islands, Philippines from Appendix I to Appendix II. The proponent proposed an amendment to the annotation to read “with an annual zero export quota for wild specimens traded for commercial purposes”. The amended proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.13 – Transfer the population of Thailand of Siamese crocodile from Appendix I to Appendix II with zero quota for wild specimens

Proponent(s)

Thailand

Result

Amended proposal rejected

Canada supported this proposal to transfer the Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) population of Thailand from Appendix I to Appendix II. The proponent proposed an amendment to the annotation to read “with a zero quota for wild specimens traded for commercial purposes”. Canada had considered that sufficient precautionary measures were in place to ensure the conservation of the wild population, noting current trade demand is met through the existing large captive bred population. During the debate, some Parties indicated concerns about the conservation status of the wild population, and noted benefits to maintaining trade controls required under Appendix I. The amended proposal was rejected by vote (27 in favour, 76 against and 20 abstentions).

19.14 – Include Asian water dragon in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

European Union, Viet Nam

Result

Adopted

This proposal to include the Asian water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) in Appendix II was adopted following a vote with 81 in favour, 27 against and 20 abstentions. Canada supported the proposal because overharvesting is considered the major threat to the survival of the species in the wild and this species is internationally traded in large numbers.

19.15 – Include Jeypore Indian gecko in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

India

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to include the Jeypore Indian gecko (Cyrtodactylus jeyporensis) in Appendix II. This endemic and unique species has distinctive patterns and markings. The species was thought to be extinct but was recently rediscovered. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.16 – Include Helmet head gecko in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

Mauritania, Senegal

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to include the inclusion of the Helmet head gecko (Tarentola chazaliae) in Appendix II. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.17 – Include Desert horned lizard in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

United States of America

Result:

N/A

Proposals 19.17 and 19.18 were considered together. Please see Proposal 19.18 below for the outcome.

19.18 – Include Horned lizards in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

Mexico

Result

Adopted

Proposal 19.17 to include Desert horned lizard in Appendix II and Proposal 19.18 to include all the species in the genus Phrynosoma (including the Desert horned lizard) were discussed at the same time. Canada noted information regarding the Desert horned lizard indicating that the volume of exports from the United States declined to virtually zero after 2017, suggesting that the species may no longer be threatened by international trade. Prior to 2018, this species was by far the most highly traded species in the genus. While Canada had concerns that the criteria for listing on Appendix II were not met, Canada joined the consensus to adopt the proposal. One species of horned lizard, Greater short-horned lizard, occurs in Canada where wild collection and harvest are generally prohibited. Another species, Pygmy short-horned lizard, occurred in Canada historically.

19.19 – Include Pygmy bluetongue in Appendix I

Proponent(s)

Australia

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to include the Pygmy Bluetongue (Tiliqua adelaidensis) in Appendix I. The species meets the biological criteria for Appendix I and prior to 1992, the species was considered to be extinct. Canada noted the potential of an increased overseas demand for Pygmy Bluetongues may increase illegal take, with significant conservation impacts on wild populations. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.20 – Transfer Puerto Rican boa from Appendix I to Appendix II

Proponent(s)

United States of America

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer the Puerto Rican boa (Chilabothrus inornatus^{Footnote 2}) from Appendix I to Appendix II, consistent with the recommendation of the Animals Committee as a result of the Periodic Review conducted for this species. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.21 – Include Timber rattlesnake in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

United States of America

Result

Withdrawn

There was no consensus on whether Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) met criteria for listing on Appendix II, given low volumes of documented international trade and the extent of domestic measures in place to manage and regulate this species. The proposal was withdrawn. This species was historically found in Canada.

19.22 – Include Matamata turtle in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to include Matamata turtle (Chelus fimbriatus^{Footnote 3}) in CITES Appendix II. This species has a unique morphology that can make it attractive for the pet trade. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.23 – Transfer Alligator snapping turtle and Common snapping turtle from Appendix III to Appendix II

Proponent(s)

United States of America

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer the Alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) from Appendix III to Appendix II, and to transfer the Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) from Appendix III to Appendix II as a look-alike species at the juvenile stage. The proposal was adopted by consensus. The Common snapping turtle is found in Canada where harvest from the wild is prohibited.

19.24 – Transfer five species of Map turtles from Appendix III to Appendix II

Proponent(s)

United States of America

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to include five endemic species of Map turtles (Graptemys barbouri, Graptemys ernsti, Graptemys gibbonsi, Graptemys pearlensis, and Graptemys pulchra) in Appendix II. Inclusion of these species in Appendix II will help ensure that the harvest of wild specimens are not reducing the wild populations to a level that threaten their survival and that hybridized specimens from unregulated ponds do not threaten wild populations. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.25 – Transfer Red-crowned roofed turtle from Appendix II to Appendix I

Proponent(s)

India

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer the Red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga) from Appendix II to Appendix I. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.26 – Transfer Indochinese box turtle from Appendix II to Appendix I

Proponent(s)

European Union, Viet Nam

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer the Indochinese box turtle (Cuora galbinifrons) from Appendix II to Appendix I consistent with the recommendation of the Animals Committee as a result of the Periodic Review conducted for this species. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.27 – Include Neotropical wood turtles in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama

Result

Adopted

This proposal sought to include nine Neotropical wood turtles (Rhinoclemmys spp.) in Appendix II. Canada was supportive of the listing for the species Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima in Appendix II, which is significantly traded. During the discussion, Canada listened for additional evidence that the whole genus met the criteria of Appendix II. While there did not appear to be significant evidence of the impact of international trade on other species in the genus, Canada joined the consensus to adopt the proposal.

19.28 – Include Narrow-bridged musk turtle in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

Mexico

Result

Adopted

Canada supported the proposal to include the species Narrow-bridged musk turtle(Claudius angustatus) in CITES Appendix II. Trade is a threat to the species and there is a recent increase in the demand. The species is exported for the pet market and also harvested for meat.

19.29 –Include Cora mud turtle and Vallarta mud turtle in Appendix I and include the remaining species in the genus in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

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

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to include the microendemic species Vallarta mud turtle (Kinostermon vogti) and Cora mud turtle (K. cora) in Appendix I and to include the remaining 20 species of Mud turtles (Kinosternon spp.) in Appendix II. This proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.30 – Include Giant musk turtle and Mexican giant musk turtle in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

El Salvador, Mexico

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to include the Mexican giant musk turtle (Staurotypus triporcatus) and the Giant musk turtle (S. salvinii) as a look-a-like species in CITES Appendix II. The species is exported for the pet market and also harvested for meat. This proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.31 – Include Musk turtles in the genus Sternotherus in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

United States of America

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer four species of Musk turtle in the genus Sternotherus from Appendix III to Appendix II. One species of Musk turtle is found in Canada, where international trade from the wild is not permitted. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.32 – Transfer Softshell turtles in the genus Apalone from Appendix III to Appendix II except subspecies already in Appendix I

Proponent(s)

United States of America

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to transfer three species of Softshell turtle in the genus Apalone from Appendix III to Appendix II. One species of Softshell turtle is found in Canada, where international trade from the wild is not permitted. The proposal was adopted by consensus. A subspecies of the Spiny softshell turtle, Apalone spinifera atra was already in Appendix I and was not affected by this proposal.

19.33 – Transfer Leith’s softshell turtle from Appendix II to Appendix I

Proponent(s)

India

Result

Adopted

Canada was broadly supportive of this proposal to transfer Leith’s softshell turtle (Nilssonia leithii) from Appendix II to Appendix I since the species meets the biological criteria for inclusion in Appendix I. Though the species has been subject to overharvest in the past, Canada would have liked more clarity on whether the species is currently affected by trade, and how the listing would enhance domestic protection. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.34 – Include the family of Glass frogs in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

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

Result

Adopted

This proposal sought to list over 158 species of glass frogs from twelve genera by including the family of Glass frogs (Centrolenidae) in Appendix II. Based on information provided in the proposal, only twelve species are in trade. Canada was undecided since trade volumes were low for the twelve species in trade except for the Northern glass frog (H. fleischmanni). Based on the information available, it was unclear that the remaining species merited inclusion for similarity of appearance. Canada listened to views from range States of these species and did not hear further evidence that international trade poses a significant or growing threat to the species in trade. Canada therefore did not support the proposal but did not block consensus.

19.35 – Include Lemur leaf Frog in Appendix II with a zero annual export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes.

Proponent(s)

Colombia, Costa Rica, European Union, Panama

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to include the Lemur leaf Frog (Agalychnis lemur) in Appendix II with a zero quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes to ensure that international trade does not further threaten the species. This species is distinctive and is known to be in the captive-bred trade. All the range States of the species were supporting this proposal, which was adopted by consensus.

19.36 – Include Lao warty newt in Appendix II with a zero export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes

Proponent(s)

European Union

Result

Adopted

Canada supported the inclusion of Lao warty newt (Laotriton laoensis) in Appendix II with a zero export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes. With the listing of Asian warty newts (Paramesotriton spp.) in Appendix II at CoP18, this species endemic to Lao People's Democratic Republic is the only warty newt not currently protected by CITES. The quota is also consistent with domestic regulations that prohibit wild harvest of this species. This proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.37 – Include the family of Requiem shark in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

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

Result

Amended proposal adopted

This proposal sought to include 19 species of requiem sharks in Appendix II as well as the remaining 35 species in the family, for their similar appearance as look-alike species. Japan proposed an amendment to remove the 35 look-alike species. This amended proposal was rejected by secret ballot (yes 43, no 81, abstain 12). Peru proposed an amendment to exclude only the Blue shark. This amended proposal was also rejected by secret ballot (yes 33, no 86, abstain 14). The proponents then amended the original proposal to include a 12 month delay for implementation. This proposal, with the delayed implementation, was adopted by secret vote (Yes 88, No 29, Abstain 17). Because of the delayed implementation, this Appendix II listing will enter into effect on November 25, 2023. Canada voted in favour of the proposal amended by Japan, abstained on the proposal as amended by Peru, and against the proposal as amended by Panama. Canada has a strong track record of protection for sharks in domestic and international waters and is a global leader on implementing trade measures to address the harmful practice of shark finning. However, our analysis noted shortcomings in the proposal that was adopted at CoP19, including that only five of the 19 species proposed for listing met CITES listing criteria and that the 35 “look-alike” species were not identified based on clear scientific evidence.

19.38 – Include the family of Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrnidae spp.) in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, European Union, Panama

Result

Adopted

This proposal sought to list the Bonnethead shark in Appendix II. The proposal also sought to include the remaining five species of Hammerhead sharks in Appendix II as look-alike species. Canada supported the proposal and the proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.39 – Include seven species of Freshwater stingrays in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

Brazil

Result

Adopted

This proposal sought to include two species of freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygon leopoldi and P. wallacei) in Appendix II and to include five other species of freshwater stingrays (P. albimaculata, P. henlei, P. jabuti, P. marquesi, and P. signata) in Appendix II as look-alike species. These seven freshwater stingrays are only found in Brazil. The proposal was adopted by consensus.

19.40 – Include the family of Guitarfishes (Rhinobatidae spp.) in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

Israel, Kenya, Panama, Senegal

Result

Adopted

This proposal sought to list six species of Guitarfishes in Appendix II. The proposal also sought to include the remaining 31 species of Guitarfishes in Appendix II as look-alike species. The proposal was adopted after a vote with 101 in favour, 14 against and 13 abstentions. Canada did not support the proposal as our analysis found only two species met the CITES listing criteria and there was little evidence presented that these species of guitarfishes were in trade.

19.41 – Include Zebra Pleco in Appendix I

Proponent(s)

Brazil

Result

Amended proposal adopted

The original proposal sought to include the Zebra pleco (Hypancistrus zebra), an aquarium fish endemic to Brazil in Appendix I. The European Union with support from other Parties including Canada, proposed an amendment for a listing in Appendix II with a zero export quota for wild specimens for commercial purposes. The amended proposal was rejected after a vote with 60 in favour, 52 against and 12 abstentions. The original proposal was then put to a vote and was rejected with 62 in favour, 52 against and 15 abstentions. Canada voted against the original proposal because the criteria for Appendix I listing were not met. Brazil received the required support to re-open the proposal for further debate during the plenary session. Brazil amended the proposal to include the species on Appendix II with a zero quota of fish taken from the wild for commercial purposes. The amended proposal was adopted in Plenary by consensus.

19.42 – Include Sea cucumbers in Appendix II

Proponent(s)

European Union, Seychelles, United States of America

Result

Amended proposal adopted

This proposal sought to include three species of Sea cucumbers (Thelonata spp.) in Appendix II. The proponents amended the proposal to include a 18 month delay for implementation. The amended proposal was adopted after a vote with 97 in favour, 16 against and 16 abstentions. Canada opposed the proposal as only one of the species met the CITES listing criteria. Because of the amendment for delayed implementation, this Appendix II listing will enter into effect on May 25^th, 2024.

19.43 – Amend annotation #1, #4, #14 for flora species and Appendix-I listed species of Orchids (Orchidaceae)

Proponent(s)

Canada

Result

Adopted

Canada presented its proposal and noted that the amendments it contained reflect consensus recommendations made by the Standing Committee at its 74th meeting (Lyon, 2022). The proposal contained a recommendation that the phrase “, in solid or liquid media” be deleted from all annotations, to facilitate their interpretation and implementation for specimens in international trade. The proposal was accepted by consensus.

19.44 – Include Trumpet trees in Appendix II with annotation #17

Proponent(s)

Colombia, European Union, Panama

Result

Amended proposal adopted

The proposal sought to list three genera, Handroanthus spp., Tabebuia spp., and Roseodendron spp. (traded generically under the name “Ipê”), on Appendix II with Annotation #17 (Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood and transformed wood). These genera include 113 species of trees, most of which cannot be identified individually. The species’ timber is of high value and increasing economic importance as a source of flooring and decking. Canada supported the proposal, but expressed opposition to an amendment to include a 24-month delay in the entry into force of the listing. After a vote with 86 votes in favour of the proposal, 17 against and 18 abstentions, the proposal and amendment were adopted and this Appendix II listing will enter into effect on November 25^th, 2024.

19.45 – Include Roseroots (Rhodiola spp.) in Appendix II with annotation #2

Proponent(s)

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

Result

Adopted

Canada supported this proposal to include two species, Rhodiola rosea and Rhodiola crenulata, in Appendix II, and to include the remaining 56 species in the genus on Appendix II as look-alike species. All species were listed with Annotation #2: all parts and derivatives except: a) seeds and pollen; and b) finished products packaged and ready for retail trade. The proposal was adopted by consensus. Two species of Rhodiola are found in Canada and there is trade in artificially propagated material which will be subject to CITES export permits.

19.46 – Inclusion of all African populations of African mahogany in Appendix II.

Proponent(s)

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

Result

Adopted

The proposal sought the inclusion of four African populations of African mahogany (Afzelia africana, A. bipindensis, A. pachyloba and A. quanzensis) species on Appendix II with Annotation #17 (Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheers, plywood and transformed wood), and all other African populations of the genus Afzelia as look-alike species. Canada had concerns about the possible impact of this listing on the wild populations of Afzelia species in Asia, but supported the proposal and inclusion of Annotation #17, as the species appeared to meet the criteria for inclusion in Appendix II. The proposal was accepted after a vote, with 95 votes in favour, 12 against and 17 abstentions. In plenary, Gabon, supported by the Congo, proposed to re-open debate to remove the species Afzelia bipindensis from the proposal, but did not receive support required from Parties to re-open debate.

19.47 – Delete Indian rosewood from Appendix II

Proponent(s)

India, Nepal

Result

Amended proposal rejected

The proposal, submitted by India and Nepal, sought to delist Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo) (a commonly traded rosewood species of the Indian subcontinent) from the Appendix II genus-wide Dalbergia listing adopted at CoP17 (Johannesburg, 2016) on the basis that the species did not meet the criteria for listing on Appendix II. Canada opposed the proposal, as it did previously at CoP18, when a similar proposal was submitted, as it considers that the species still met the criteria for listing as a look-alike species. After Bhutan proposed an amendment to Annotation #15 to include “finished furniture and handicraft products of Dalbergia sissoo when first exported from India and Nepal”, a vote was called on the proposal as amended. With 30 votes in favour, 55 against and 9 abstentions, the proposal was rejected.

19.48 – Inclusion of Cumaru species on Appendix II of CITES.

Proponent(s)

Colombia, European Union, Panama

Result

Amended proposal adopted

Canada supported the proposal to include four species of Cumaru, Dipteryx alata, Dipteryx micrantha, Dipteryx odorata and Dipteryx oleifera with an annotation designating “logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood and transformed wood, and seeds”. Canada considered that available data indicated a general decline in the genus populations and possible local extinctions, and that it was impossible to identify the wood at the species level. The co-proponents of the proposal agreed to accept amendments to remove “seeds” from the proposed annotation and to add a 24-month delay in the entry into force of the inclusion in Appendix-II. With 74 votes in favour of the proposal, 13 against and 18 abstentions, the proposal was accepted as amended and this Appendix II listing will enter into effect on November 25^th, 2024. Canada abstained from the vote because it did not support the amendment that would delay the listing’s entry into force for 24 months.

19.49 – Transfer Pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I with a new annotation

Proponent(s)

Brazil

Result

Amended proposal adopted

Canada opposed the proposal which, as originally drafted, contravened the rules of the Convention by proposing an annotation that would exempt parts and derivatives from an Appendix I listing. Additionally, the proposal’s suggestion that international trade had caused a decline of Pernambuco wood (Paubrasilia echinata) populations requiring up-listing to Appendix I was not convincing and the conservation value of the proposal was unclear. Following some discussion, Brazil proposed maintaining the listing of P. echinata on Appendix II with a broadened annotation and a series of draft decisions focused on enforcement, traceability, stockpile control and sustainable plantations for P. echinata. The consensus proposal, including draft decisions, was accepted as amended.

19.50 – Inclusion of all African populations of African rosewood in Appendix II of CITES with annotation #17

Proponent(s)

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

Result

Adopted

The proposal sought to include all African populations of African rosewood (Pterocarpus spp.) on Appendix II with Annotation #17 (Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheers, plywood and transformed wood), including the already listed species P. erinaceus (CoP17, no annotation) and P. tinctorius (CoP18, Annotation #6 “Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets and plywood”). Canada supported the proposal, but had concerns regarding limiting CITES regulations only to African Pterocarpus populations, which could shift illegal trade to Asian populations. The proposal was accepted by consensus.

19.51 – To list African populations of the African Mahogany in Appendix II with Annotation #17

Proponent(s)

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

Result

Adopted

Canada supported the proposal to include African Mahogany (Khaya spp.) with Annotation #17 (Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheers, plywood and transformed wood), but was concerned by the potential impact of listing only the populations of Africa, preferring a listing of Khaya spp. across the global range of the genus, including plantations in Asia and Central and South America. The proposal was accepted by consensus.

19.52 – Amend Annotation #4 to the listing of Orchids (Orchidaceae) included in Appendix II, with the addition of new paragraph g)

Proponent(s)

Switzerland

Result

Adopted with amendments

Switzerland introduced its annotation amendment with the addition of new paragraph 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. lobbi”’. In order to address concerns raised that wild specimens could enter into trade as a result of the proposal’s acceptance, Switzerland proposed three draft decisions intended to identify implementation issues that might occur after adoption. The European Union proposed an amendment to the annotation, so that the new paragraph g) would include reference to “finished products derived from artificial propagation”. Canada supported the proposal, noting it had been discussed extensively by the Standing Committee. The proposal, as amended by European Union and with the draft decisions proposed by Switzerland, was accepted by consensus.