As the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, WAZA represented its global membership at the 33rd meeting of the CITES Animals Committee, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 12 to 19 July 2024. The meeting cast a spotlight on the conservation status of some of the world’s most threatened species such as pangolins, big cats, sharks and rays, amphibians, songbirds, marine ornamental fishes or stony corals.  

 The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) serves as a vital treaty among 184 countries and regional economic integration organisations (“Parties”) to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Established under CITES, the Animals Committee is a scientific committee, composed of experts from around the world, that provide scientific advice on various species, assess trade impacts, and develop guidelines for sustainable trade. Additionally, the committee offers recommendations for improving management practices and advises on capacity-building initiatives, notably in the context of the enforcement of laws and regulations derived from CITES.  

The CITES Animals Committee meetings are critical gatherings where scientists, policymakers, and conservationists come together to assess and discuss the state of various species and propose measures to enhance their protection. These scientific meetings are not just about reviewing data and making recommendations; it is also about fostering collaboration and innovation. Parties and observer organisations share their latest research findings, technological advancements, and successful conservation practices. This exchange of knowledge is crucial for developing new strategies that can effectively address the complex challenges facing wildlife conservation today. 

As critical contributors to ex situ and in situ conservation, the role of zoos and aquariums in these international scientific and policy forums cannot be overstated. WAZA alongside the Association Française des Parcs Zoologiques (AFdPZ), the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA), San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Zoological Society of London (WAZA member, London Zoo) and Wildlife Conservation Society (with Bronx Zoo as WAZA member) collectively represented zoos and aquariums. WAZA participated in three in-session working groups on zoological nomenclature, captive bred and ranched specimens, and for the Review of Significant Trade in specimens of Appendix-II species. In our observer capacity, WAZA also took the floor to recall the breadth of collective expertise that zoos and aquariums dispose of when it comes to species identification. 

Association and Member institutions of WAZA already play a significant part in species recovery programmes, conservation education, and research. By further participating in and supporting the work of CITES, notably in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between WAZA and CITES Secretariat, we can enhance our collective impact on global wildlife conservation. 

 As we approach the 20th Conference of the Parties of CITES next year, WAZA remains committed to supporting and advocating for the protection of endangered species. The outcomes of this high-level conference will be instrumental in shaping future conservation efforts and ensuring the survival of countless species in international trade. By working together, sharing knowledge, and implementing effective conservation measures, we can make a difference and safeguard our planet’s precious biodiversity for generations to come.