The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is the primary international framework designed to reduce the threats that global trade poses to wildlife. While its reach is extensive, significant weaknesses remain in how effectively it safeguards wild animals.
At this year’s Conference of the Parties (CoP) in Uzbekistan, two dedicated events were organised to spotlight realistic, actionable solutions that can complement CITES and address its shortcomings.
The first session, “Rethinking Trade Data,” was co-organised with AAP, IFAW and Fondation Franz Weber, and hosted by the Dominican Republic. Experts drew attention to serious gaps in species-specific trade data, highlighting how these shortcomings hinder protection efforts for four threatened reptile species already entering the international pet market. Presenters shared concrete ways to improve existing systems. Dr Monica Biondo described targeted upgrades to the EU’s TRACES database, while Craig Hooper and Shelly Grow examined the advantages and limitations of the US LEMIS system, stressing the importance of accurate and consistent reporting. The European Commission opened the discussion by underlining the urgency of improving data quality and outlined three ongoing studies aimed at strengthening wildlife trade monitoring within the EU.
The second event, “Wild Animals Not Pets,” co-hosted with AAP, focused on why national governments must go beyond CITES by restricting which species can legally be kept as pets. Dr Mark Jones from the Born Free Foundation explained that CITES’ reactive approach is ill-equipped to keep up with the rapidly growing exotic pet trade. Eurogroup for Animals presented the Positive List model, already implemented in several EU countries, showing how it effectively limits harm while placing responsibility on consumer countries to reduce demand. AAP reinforced these arguments with real-world examples illustrating the welfare consequences of weak regulation.
As demand fuels trade—and trade contributes to biodiversity loss, animal suffering and public health risks—CITES alone is not enough. While it remains a crucial international tool, it must be supported by strong domestic measures, including robust data collection systems and Positive Lists that clearly define which species may be kept as pets.
Support for these approaches is gaining momentum. In a recorded message, MEP Manuela Ripa highlighted the European Parliament’s call for an EU-wide Positive List in the upcoming CITES Resolution and urged the EU to take a leadership role on the global stage.
Together, both events reflected a growing consensus among delegates: CITES is essential, but it cannot operate in isolation. Effective protection of wild animals requires a combination of international agreements and stronger national policies. Eurogroup for Animals remains committed to advancing these reforms and turning them into lasting change.