Introducting a Resolution Expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives Regarding the Contributions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna

Floor Speech

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the contributions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

CITES was created in 1973 to ensure that international trade in wild plants and animals does not threaten their survival. Launched with a few signatory nations, CITES has now 175 parties that have an international obligation and responsibility to protect our planet's endangered animals and plants. Nearly 5,000 species of animals and 28,000 species of plants are protected by the convention against over-exploitation through international trade. Adherence to these protective measures has benefited the conservation of animals and plants worldwide.

Unfortunately, more and more species are at risk of extinction and international trade, both legal and illegal, which has exacerbated the dangers. International wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars per year and to include hundreds of millions of live plants and animals and derived products such as food products, leather and fur, ornamentals, medicinal, and timber. Such high levels of exploitation of and trade in wild animals and plants, together with other factors such as habitat loss, are capable of bringing some species close to extinction.

Every two to three years, the parties of CITES meet at the Conference of the Parties to review the status of species in danger of extinction and establish trade restrictions. The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties was held in March 2010. Several proposals were submitted during the summit, some of them ensuring better protections for endangered species, others trying to downlist species and re-open trade. While proposals to downlist elephant populations in Tanzania and Zambia were successfully defeated, several proposals to establish stronger protections for the polar bear, eight sharks, the bluefin tuna and other species were unfortunately rejected. I am saddened to see that economic interests have prevailed over species conservation, risking to bring species close to extinction. This is unacceptable.

My resolution will recognize the important contributions the convention has made in regulating international trade in endangered species and protecting endangered species worldwide. It will also applaud the convention's leadership in protecting elephants in Tanzania and Zambia. Lastly, the resolution will urge all parties to the convention to collaborate effectively to curb excessive exploitation of species for international trade and to adopt stronger protections for several endangered species at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties in 2013.

Mr. Speaker, the United States has a moral obligation to protect endangered species and their natural habitat. Wild animals are a very important part of our commonly held natural resources and contribute to the diversity and stability of our environment. We must continue to maintain a balanced and healthy ecosystem that allows for the coexistence of both human beings and the world's most incredible species. It is essential to work with the international community to ensure the survival of these species. I believe that the stakes are too high to let national interests and differences hinder the future of our planet.

urge my colleagues to join me in protecting wildlife and promoting environmental conservation across the globe by supporting this important resolution.

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