The Interpretation and Application of Quotas for Species Included in Appendix I (Rev. CoP18)
RECALLING Resolution Conf. 6.7, adopted at the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Ottawa, 1987), calling on Parties to consult with range States prior to taking stricter domestic measures pursuant to Article XIV which may interfere with trade in wild animals and plants, and Resolution Conf. 8.21 (Rev. CoP16)1, adopted at the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Kyoto, 1992) and revised at its 16th meeting (Bangkok, 2013), requiring consultation between proposing States and range States;1Corrected by the Secretariat following the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties: originally referred to Resolution Conf. 8.21.RECALLING Resolution Conf. 8.3 (Rev. CoP13), adopted at the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties and amended at the 13th meeting (Bangkok, 2004), recognizing the benefits of the use of wildlife, Resolution Conf. 16.7 (Rev. CoP17) on Non-detriment findings, adopted at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Bangkok, 2013) and amended at its 17th meeting (Johannesburg, 2016), and Resolution Conf. 17.9 on Trade in hunting trophies of species listed in Appendix I or II, adopted at the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Johannesburg, 2016);RECALLING Resolution Conf. 10.15 (Rev. CoP14) on Establishment of quotas for markhor hunting trophies adopted at the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties and amended at the 14th meeting (The Hague, 2007), Resolution Conf. 13.5 (Rev. CoP18) on Establishment of export quotas for black rhinoceros hunting trophies, adopted at the thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties and amended at the 14th and 18th meetings (The Hague, 2007; Geneva, 2019), and Resolution 10.14 (Rev. CoP16)1 on Quotas for leopard hunting trophies and skins for personal use, adopted at the tenth meeting the Conference of the Parties and amended at the 16th meeting (Bangkok, 2013);1Corrected by the Secretariat following the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties: originally referred to Resolution Conf. 8.21.RECALLING in particular the Preamble to the Convention which states that peoples and States are and should be the best protectors of their own wild fauna and flora;RECALLING Resolution Conf. 4.6 (Rev. CoP18)2, adopted at the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Gaborone, 1983) and amended at the 10th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th and 18th meetings (Harare, 1997; Santiago, 2002; Bangkok, 2004; Doha, 2010; Bangkok, 2013; Geneva, 2019), which recommends that the text of any document submitted for consideration at a meeting of the Conference of the Parties be communicated to the Secretariat at least 150 days before the meeting;2Corrected by the Secretariat following the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th meetings of the Conference of the Parties: originally referred to Resolution Conf. 4.6 (Rev. CoP13).RECOGNIZING the supreme importance of cooperative and mutual action as called for at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro and as embodied in the Convention on Biological Diversity;AWARE that the Parties have set quotas for the export of specimens of species included in Appendix I, such as cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), markhor (Capra falconeri), black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and leopard (Panthera pardus);AWARE that it is the understanding and practice of the majority of Parties that the establishment of quotas by the Parties satisfies the required findings that the export of a specimen will not be detrimental to the survival of the species and that the import of that specimen will not be for purposes detrimental to the survival of the species, provided that the export is within the limits set in the quota;AWARE however that the failure of some Parties to adhere to this majority understanding has had negative consequences on the conservation of species by range States; andCONSIDERING that the Animals Committee can play an important advisory role in the determination of whether a quota set for a species included in Appendix I is non-detrimental to its survival;THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION1.AGREES that:a)a Party wishing the Conference of the Parties to establish a quota for a species included in Appendix I, or to amend an existing quota, should submit its proposal to the Secretariat, with supporting information including details of the scientific basis for the proposed quota, at least 150 days before a meeting of the Conference of the Parties; andb)whenever the Conference of the Parties has set an export quota for a particular species included in Appendix I, this action by the Parties satisfies the requirements of Article III regarding the findings by the appropriate Scientific Authorities that the export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species and that the purposes of the import will not be detrimental to the survival of the species, provided that the quota is not exceeded and no new scientific or management data have emerged to indicate that the population of the species in the range State concerned can no longer sustain the agreed quota; and2.INSTRUCTS the Standing Committee and the Animals Committee to keep under regular review (every nine years or sooner if determined necessary) quotas for species included in Appendix I established by the Conference of the Parties. If new scientific or management data have emerged to indicate that the population of the species in the range State concerned can no longer sustain the agreed quota, consult with the range State in order to find a solution to any concerns raised including, if appropriate, making recommendations to amend the quota.