14th conference of CITES

CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is a global body that regulates trade of vulnerable animals that face various threats in the wild. It has 169 member states and a lot of clout when it comes to regulating cross-border trade of animal products. The members meet periodically to discuss key conservation, environmental and business issues.

The 14th conference is underway these days in The Hague, Netherlands, and already a lot of key resolutions have been passed. The one that I want to highlight though (even as it's not about cats!) is the majority decision to rebuff Japan's attempt at reopening commercial trade in whale products. For a while now Japan, Norway and Iceland have been trying to push a resolution to promote whaling and frankly it's beyond my comprehension as to why governments of enlightened and developed nations will try such stuff just for a few bucks when this brings obvious disdain from conservationists and laymen alike around the world. All three countries were thwarted last month at International Whaling Commission (IWC) in Alaska as well. 'This is a big win for whales' - Manager of Global Whales Program was quoted as saying. He added: 'Today's decision and the strong conservation majority at last week's IWC meeting signal an emerging global consensus for whale conservation in the 21st century'. Anyway - Way to Go CITES and hope they act strongly for all the threatened cats in the wild as well :)



[pic - The Blue Whale - thought to be the largest animal to have ever lived - bigger than even the largest of dinosaurs - why on earth would anyone want to kill a creature so grand and regal???]