Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Conference to Tackle Illegal Trade in Endangered Species

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - Tackling the illegal trade in endangered wild fauna and flora
   and strengthening trade rules for fisheries, timber, and exotic pets
   are just a few of the many controversial and emotional issues to be
   discussed over the next two weeks at a World Wildlife Conference
   opening in Geneva Saturday.

   Thousands of delegates are expected to gather at Geneva's cavernous
   Palexpo Exhibition center. They will be lobbying for their pet wildlife
   projects through elaborate, imaginative displays and persuasive talk
   fests.

   The 183 Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
   Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, is hosting this
   extravaganza. CITES sets the rules for international trade in wild
   animals and plants.

   Governments interested in changing the levels of protection that CITES
   provides have submitted 56 new proposals for discussion. These, says
   CITES range from proposals to ensure trade in at-risk species remains
   sustainable to calls for a ban on trade in species threatened by
   extinction.

.