The world’s endangered species could gain better protection at an international wildlife conference, the triennial summit of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

The 183-country conference deals with disputes regarding the conservation of species, from elephants and rhinos to sea cucumbers and glass frogs.

Since 1970, the destruction of nature has reduced wildlife populations by 60%, an astonishing amount. In May this year, leading researchers warned that humanity is in jeopardy due to the ongoing decline of the planet’s natural life-support systems that give us the food, water and clean air we need to live. The CITES agreement regulates the international trade in wildlife, from live animals to animal products such as skin and timber.

One of the areas of concerns to be tackled is opposing proposals on elephants, of which 20,000 are poached each year for the illegal ivory trade. Southern African countries want to loosen restrictions to raise funds for conservations, but others on the continent want to make the ivory ban broader.

The summit does come with some good news, as some species have been removed from danger lists, as their populations are recovering. One such species is the vicuna, a relative of the llama that provides valuable wool. The prospects of this animal have improved due to local communities getting involved in their conservation.

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/aug/17/frog-tortoises-cites-wildlife-summit