After years of anticipation, months of preparation and two hectic weeks in South Africa, the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP17) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) draws to a close. Here's a summary of some of the key outcomes of the conference
The Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is one of the most high-profile events on the international conservation calendar. EIA campaigners will be attending CoP17 to push for positive outcomes on a number of key campaign issues
The Government of Mozambique destroyed one tonne of contraband ivory and 53 rhino horns seized from the international illegal trade. The event is the latest in a growing number of high-profile destructions of illegal wildlife products around the world, calculated to send an unequivocal message
The escalating international criminal trade in ivory and rhino horn is well documented, Significantly less well known a product derived from a critically endangered species, often commanding black market prices up to five times higher than ivory – the carved beaks of helmeted hornbills
The fight against transnational environmental crime is ceaseless and largely fought with donations, grants, intelligence and tenacity – but few people can claim to put as much on the line as rangers in the field. Today is World Ranger Day, an opportunity to pay tribute to the sacrifice of some and the diligence of all
Speakers at the recent Pretoria conference on rhino horn trade, where experts from around the world warned that South Africa would fail to control a legalised trade in rhino horn, have reacted with dismay, but no surprise, at the news that 40-70 rhino horns have been stolen from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.