CMS Explained

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale. Since the Convention's entry into force, its membership has grown steadily to include 113 (as of 1 January 2010) Parties from Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

CMS Listings explained

Appendix I - Endangered migratory species

Migratory species that have been categorized as being in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant proportion of their range are listed on Appendix I of the Convention.

Appendix II - Migratory species conserved through Agreements

Migratory species that have an unfavourable conservation status or would benefit significantly from international co-operation organised by tailored agreements are listed in Appendix II to the Convention. For this reason, the Convention encourages the Range States to conclude global or regional Agreements for the conservation and management of individual species or, more often, of a group of species listed on Appendix II.

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CITES Explained

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Annually, international wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars and to include hundreds of millions of plant and animal specimens. The trade is diverse, ranging from live animals and plants to a vast array of wildlife products derived from them, including food products. Levels of exploitation of some animal and plant species are high and the trade in them, together with other factors, such as habitat loss, is capable of heavily depleting their populations and even bringing some species close to extinction. Many wildlife species in trade are not endangered, but the existence of an agreement to ensure the sustainability of the trade is important in order to safeguard these resources for the future.

CITES Listings explained

Appendix I

lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants. They are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for instance for scientific research. In these exceptional cases, trade may take place provided it is authorized by the granting of both an import permit and an export permit (or re-export certificate).

Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. It also includes so-called "look-alike species", i.e. species of which the specimens in trade look like those of species listed for conservation reasons. International trade in specimens of Appendix II species may be authorized by the granting of an export permit or re-export certificate. No import permit is necessary for these species under CITES (although a permit is needed in some countries that have taken stricter measures than CITES requires). Permits or certificates should only be granted if the relevant authorities are satisfied that certain conditions are met, above all that trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild.

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IWC Explained

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was set up under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling signed in Washington DC in 1946. The purpose of the Convention is to some extent disputed. It clearly includes the conservation of whale populations, although some claim that this is exclusively for the benefit of the whaling industry. Others argue that the conservation of whales is inherently important in its own right and that the IWC mandate extends to all species of cetaceans. The IWC currently meets on an annual basis and discusses a range of matters including the full range of threats to cetaceans. Its discussions are informed by its Scientific Committee, which also meets each year for two full weeks and comprises a series of sub-committees including those focused on small cetaceans and whale watching.

The IWC is able to set quotas for commercial whaling, all currently held at zero following the IWC’s ‘global moratorium’ on commercial whaling passed in 1982. It does however set quotas for aboriginal or indigenous whaling for peoples with particular needs. It can also designate specified areas as whale sanctuaries. However, arguably its most important role at this time is that it encourages, co-ordinates and funds whale research, publishes the results of scientific research and otherwise promotes various studies, for example into the effects of climate change on cetaceans. The role of the IWC’s Scientific Committee as the world’s premier expert body on cetaceans and the factors affecting them means it has an important role in dispensing advice to the 88 (as of 2010) member nations and others on issues of cetacean conservation and management.

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