Due to the unexpectable series terror attacks, the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP18) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has been postponed.

The next triennial meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP18), also known as the World Wildlife Conference, will be held in Geneva at the Exhibition and Congress Centre - Palexpo from 16 to 28 August 2019. (See details: https://cites.org/eng/Message_from_CITES_Secretary-General_on_SC71_CoP18_SC72_12062019)

As a leading Chinese responsible NGO, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) has been actively preparing for the CITES COP18. CBCGDF delegation members have successfully applied to host two Side Events during the meeting.

According to the tentative schedule by far, one of the side events arranged by CBCGDF is themed on “Infrastructure and Wildlife”. It will take place on 17.15-19.00 at August 17th, 2019 at F- (120), Palexpo / Centre de Congrès.

Shrinking natural habitats and the increasingly unsustainable use of natural resources and destruction of habitats, including infrastructure construction presents a major threat to biodiversity. This Side Event focuses on how to minimize negative impacts from the development of infrastructure on biodiversity and develop effective mechanisms to maximize the retention of biodiversity. During this session we will explore multiple mechanisms to reduce the impact of infrastructural development on biodiversity, from assaying and mapping vulnerable or highly diverse areas to avoid destroying key habitats, providing passes and other modes to enable wildlife to bypass infrastructure unimpaired and how to prevent the transmission of illegal trade of wildlife across these increasingly connected regions. We will also discuss how these techniques can be mitigated at multiple levels, from the development of bridges, viaducts and corridors for species to bypass infrastructure, the prioritization of areas for protection, the applications of technology to detect and monitor trade and the policy and finance instruments that can be used to ensure that high safety standards are implemented to protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable planning at all stages of development.

Another Side Event organized by CBCGDF is themed as “To Create a Sustainable Future for Pangolins Globally”. It will be held on 19.00-21.00, August 18th, 2019 at the E- (120), Palexpo / Centre de Congrès.

CBCGDF is committed to pangolin protection using a wide range of different methods. To engage more widely we use social media and websites to raise public awareness, engage people’s attention and reduce the consumption of pangolins. This side event focuses on the current status, major issues, and barriers to preserving pangolins. We call for a halt in the use of Pangolins and calling on the Pangolin to become an icon for the importance of protection of all species, and discuss how to apply advanced technologies, and new methodologies for the protection of endangered species, and combat illegal trade. This Side Event will provide a platform for professionals and delegates from around the world to freely communicate and share their best experience and practices on how to create a sustainable future for pangolins. This event consists keynotes and panel discussions.

If you are intended to attend the World Wildlife Conference in Geneva, this summer, welcome to join in the Side Events hosted by CBCGDF.

(Photo credit: cites.org)

By / Niu Jingmei