Four decades since South Africa became a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the 17th Conference of Parties to CITES (CoP17) will take place on South African soil. We look forward to welcoming CITES Parties and observers to our beautiful country.
I urge all delegates to use the opportunity to engage in robust discussions and come up with resolutions that take forward the work already underway around the trade in flora and fauna. I also invite delegates to experience South Africa’s biodiversity and embrace the country's diverse cultural and historical heritage.
