【Introduction】Volunteers have recently reported to the Clean Internet for Conophytum (CIC) WG that there're illegal sales of wild conophytum plants on the well-known e-commerce platform, eBay. This kind of trade activity poses a serious threat to the biodiversity of South Africa and violates the country's legal prohibition. CIC urges eBay to take immediate action and close down the accounts of sellers involved in the illegal trade of wild conophytum plants to protect these rare species.

Recently, volunteers brought to CIC's attention the discovery of illegal trade in wild conophytum plants on the globally renowned e-commerce platform, eBay. For instance, a seller named "i-succulent" explicitly advertised the sale of species such as Conophytum Pageae and Conophytum Minimum Wittebergense, which are unmistakably wild conophytum plants. It is important to note that the collection and trade of these species have been strictly prohibited under South African law since 1974. Despite the implementation of these laws, the issue persists, gravely compromising the biodiversity of native flora. The illegal activities of poachers have resulted in the inclusion of all conophytum species in Appendix III of the CITES convention. The failure of platforms like eBay to proactively address and prevent such trade only facilitates the flourishing of poaching activities.

Conophytum plants are unique and rare species native to South Africa, captivating plant enthusiasts and collectors with their distinctive appearance and ecological roles. However, the illegal collection and trade of these plants have jeopardized their survival and reproduction. Due to their restricted habitats, the activities of poachers have led to a drastic decline in their population, putting the natural populations at the risk of extinction.

The South African government has implemented various measures to protect conophytum plants and other endangered species. Nevertheless, illegal trade continues on e-commerce platforms. As one of the world's largest online marketplaces, eBay bears the responsibility of ensuring that goods traded on its platform comply with legal regulations, especially when it involves wildlife.

The "Clean Internet for Conophytum" working group strongly urges eBay to take urgent action and close the accounts of sellers involved in the illegal trade of wild conophytum plants. These sellers are unlawfully offering conophytum plants without any legal sources, violating both South African law and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). eBay must rigorously review transactions on its platform and prohibit the sale of any wild plants from illegal sources, particularly conophytum species.

eBay is a globally renowned e-commerce company founded in 1995, with its headquarters located in San Jose, California, USA. The company claims to be committed to reducing its environmental footprint and has implemented various measures to achieve sustainable development goals. We hope that this commitment goes beyond mere "greenwashing" and is genuinely reflected in their environmental and social responsibilities.

In the current era of escalating global environmental issues, the preservation of biodiversity has become increasingly crucial. CIC calls upon eBay to take a leading role in protecting biodiversity by taking concrete actions to combat the illegal trade of conophytum plants. Let us join forces in creating a prosperous and harmonious natural environment for our planet and future generations.

#Clean Internet for Conophytum#

By Chaubi
Edited by YJ    
Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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