Look, if CITES were the *only* thing being done in conservation today then
I would agree it would be ineffectual and just a bandaid. But CITES only
address international trade. It is not the end-all answer to
conservation, rather it is an attempt at international cooperation and
monitoring. And while it irritates me in my trading, the fact that most
biologists I know support it indicates that in general it is a good thing.
>It seems that a number of our CP are on Appendix I (the most
>restricted), while most of the rest are in Appendix II (slightly less
>restricted). I wonder if we could bother you further to summarise
>what the regulations permit/forbid us from doing with the species on
>the two Appendices? Does everyone know what CITES stands for?
>Something like "Convention on International Trade in Endangered
>Species" - note the 'International' - does it apply to trade within a
>country?
First, I should note that surprisingly *few* CP are listed on CITES. The
big genera, like _Drosera_ or _Utricularia_, are not noted at all. Also,
the desirable and endangered _Heliamphora_ species are not included.
But this is probably because few CP are involved in international trade
to any significant degree.
CITES=Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora. For the completist, the acronym is pronounced
in two syllables, i.e. as ``sigh-tease''. (This surprised me, because I
always used to pronounce it as ``sites''.)
To ship Appendix I plants, you need a permit which will be granted as long
as (quoting from Article III)....
2. The export of any specimen of a species included in Appendix I
shall require the prior grant and presentation of an export
permit. An export permit
shall only be granted when the following conditions have been
met:
(a) a Scientific Authority of the State of export has advised
that such export will not be detrimental to the survival
of that species;
(b) a Management Authority of the State of export is
satisfied that the specimen was not obtained in
contravention of the laws of that State for the
protection of fauna and flora;
(c) a Management Authority of the State of export is
satisfied that any living specimen will be so prepared
and shipped as to minimize the risk of injury, damage to
health or cruel treatment; and
(d) a Management Authority of the State of export is
satisfied that an import permit has been granted for the specimen.
Similar requirements are given for importation. Also, Appendix II species are
given similar treatment.
I think I'll talk with our intrepid list-keeper about putting the CITES
legislation and appendices in the archives...
Barry