OO. 5. 9 Encourage the implementation of CITES with the aim of maintaining biodiversity

The aim of the CITES Convention is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Every species that is, or in the future might be, endangered by trade, is listed in one of the three CITES annexes. If a species is placed on these lists, the trade in that particular species is subject to strict regulations. By continuous follow-up of the status of the population, trade in specific species-country combinations may be prohibited.

Belgium, as a Member State of the European Community, implements the CITES legislation through two EC Regulations together with the Belgian CITES Act of 1983.

Different goals will be prioritised, with the goal of improving the implementation of CITES in Belgium in the short to medium term.

A first aim is to strengthen the CITES Scientific Authority by taking on a professional secretary who would be in charge of the drawing up of preparations for the meetings of the Belgian Scientific Authority, the meetings of the Scientific Review Group and those of the CITES Animals and Plants Committee; scientific advice related to the possible import of specific species-country combinations; new proposals for amendments that have to be submitted at the CITES Conference of Parties in order to (re)list certain endangered species in the CITES Appendices.

This public servant would also be responsible for all other contacts between the management and the scientific authority as well as for maintaining the correspondence with the Scientific Authorities of other CITES Parties.

Article 17 of the Belgian Royal Decree relating to CITES, dated 9/4/2003, stipulates the establishment of a national enforcement group. In implementing this Article, procedures for coordinating national enforcement among all relevant national authorities will thus be laid down.
In this way, Belgium will explore innovative means of increasing capacity and improving enforcement for example by assisting in the exchange of knowledge and expertise at national and EU level.
The corresponding coordinating Enforcement Group established by the European Commission will ensure cooperation with relevant national authorities, WCO, Interpol, Europol, the CITES Secretariat and intergovernmental organisations to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation.