Nairobi, 8 March 2024 – More than half a billion people are estimated to have been infected during the COVID-19 pandemic, which also claimed millions of lives and significantly affecting the global economy. The possible origins of SARS-CoV-2 in wild animals has been debated among scientists - adding to a growing list of emerging diseases that are zoonoses – i.e., a result of a spillover of pathogens from wildlife to humans.
This has led the global community of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to review the intricate relationship between international wildlife trade and zoonotic diseases, and to discuss the role of the Convention in reducing the risk of future zoonotic disease emergence associated with CITES trade.
In a significant stride towards international cooperation, the CITES Secretariat concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), focusing on critical areas of mutual interest, such as the safe, traceable, and legal international trade in wild species of animals, identification of zoonotic disease risks associated with CITES activities and CITES listed species, and facilitation of secure transport for biological samples from wild animals. On March 1, 2024, this landmark agreement was signed by the executive heads of WOAH and the CITES Secretariats, aiming at further reducing risk of zoonotic disease emergence associated with international wildlife trade. The agreement is part of the actions taken by the CITES Parties to address the pressing issue of pathogen spillover and transmission risks.
The two signatories will work together through a joint programme of work to operationalize the MoU. This encompasses three primary areas: (1) wildlife health and trade, (2) training, capacity-building, and networking, and (3) coordination and communication.
The global community's endorsement of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework underscores the importance of robust partnerships, such as the partnership between the Secretariats of CITES and WOAH. Target 5 of the Framework focusing on sustainable, safe, and legal wildlife use, aligns with the mandates of both CITES and WOAH. Strengthening cooperation between the two bodies is integral to supporting countries in delivery on this target.
The collaborative efforts underscore a collective commitment to safeguarding global health while preserving biodiversity. As work in the CITES committees continues, the proactive measures taken by CITES Parties to prevent and mitigate pathogen spillover within wildlife trade and associated supply chains has been shared on the CITES website.
CITES and WOAH also remain attentive to the work being undertaken by the Quadripartite Collaboration on One Health and encourage the translation of the One Health approach into policy action. It is anticipated that such initiatives will catalyze transformative agendas needed to reduce the risk of future pandemics.
CITES Secretary-General Ms Ivonne Higuero said: “Guided by our complementary mandates and common goals, this partnership will result in focused support to Parties in reducing the risk of future zoonotic disease emergence associated with international wildlife trade.”
WOAH Director General Dr Monique Eloit pointed out “the importance of this partnership for contributing to a safe international wildlife trade but also for promoting the implementation of the One Health approach that ensures collaboration of relevant sectors and disciplines.” She also highlighted the role of the partnership in facilitating timely transport and sharing of wildlife diagnostic samples, which is essential for the protection of endangered and threatened species and for the prevention of zoonotic disease spillover events.
The CITES Secretariat anticipates that this strengthened collaboration with WOAH, that builds upon our existing foundation, will help us to navigate emerging challenges and champion biodiversity conservation.
The MoU is available online here.
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Editor’s Notes:
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About CITES
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed on 3 March 1973 and entered into force on 1 July 1975. With 184 Parties (183 countries + the European Union), it remains one of the world's most powerful tools for wildlife conservation through the regulation of international trade in over 40,900 species of wild animals and plants. CITES-listed species are used by people around the world in their daily lives for food, health care, furniture, housing, tourist souvenirs, cosmetics or fashion. CITES seeks to ensure that international trade in such species is sustainable, legal and traceable and contributes to both the livelihoods of the communities that live closest to them and to national economies for a healthy planet and the prosperity of the people in support of UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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Find out more: https://cites.org/eng
About WOAH
The World Organisation for Animal Health is an intergovernmental organization that focuses on transparently disseminating information on animal diseases, improving animal health globally and thus build a safer, healthier and more sustainable world.
WOAH was established in 1924 as the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), through an international agreement, when 28 nations united to combat Rinderpest, one of the deadliest animal diseases of its time. This initiative laid the foundation for WOAH’s leading role in international animal health and welfare. In 2011, Rinderpest became the first ever animal disease to be declared globally eradicated. Today, the 28 signatory countries of the 1924 International Agreement have grown to 183 Members. in May 2003 we adopted the common name World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
Headquartered in Paris, the Organisation maintains permanent relations with over 70 international and regional organisations and has Regional and Sub-regional Offices worldwide. Together, the Organisation and its Members coordinate the global response to animal health emergencies, the prevention of zoonotic diseases, the promotion of animal health and welfare, and better access to animal health care.
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Find out more: https://woah.org
About the Quadripartite Collaboration on One Health
The Quadripartite Collaboration on One Health consists of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), working together to tackle the challenges at the human, animal, plant and ecosystem interface using a more integrated and coordinated approach. This collaboration also contributes to reinforcing national and regional health systems and services, and to sustainably balance and optimize the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment.