CBD CoP16 Trade Day
Keynote Address by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero
26 October 2024, Cali, Colombia
Esteemed colleagues and participants,
Thanks so much to UN Trade and Development and the German Corporation for International Cooperation for the invitation to deliver a keynote address on a topic that is very close to my heart and with such distinguished panellists. It is an honour to share my views on how legal, sustainable, and traceable trade contributes to biodiversity conservation and livelihoods through the lens of this unique Convention.
At the heart of our work at CITES lies a fundamental understanding that well-regulated, sustainable trade can contribute positively to biodiversity conservation. CITES regulates the international trade in more than 40,900 plant and animal species listed in its Appendices, with the aim of ensuring this trade does not threaten the survival in the wild of these species.
CITES directly supports the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), especially Targets 4, 5, and 9, focusing on sustainable use, harvesting, and trade of wild species for biodiversity and people's livelihoods.
This makes our 184 - soon to be 185 - Parties well-positioned to navigate the complexities of balancing ecological needs, economic growth, and social equity.
Today, we will explore how governments, the private sector, civil society, international organizations, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities can work together to enhance the value of biodiversity in our economies as well as improve the livelihoods of those who live side by side with nature.
The reality is that biodiversity-based products are not just commodities; they represent a lifeline for millions. Globally, an estimated 476 million indigenous people manage lands containing over 80% of our planet’s biodiversity, and 1.6 billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods.
The question is: how do we ensure that sustainable trade benefits both local communities and species conservation?
To illustrate the how CITES works to achieve both biodiversity and socioeconomic goals through intersectoral cooperation, let’s explore some successful examples of CITES Appendix II species, for which international trade is closely controlled to ensure it is conducted in a sustainable, legal and traceable manner.
1. Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) CITES App II):
First, let's consider Candelilla, a lesser-known succulent from Mexico. I always like to highlight that it is surprising to people that about 83% of all CITES-listed species are plants - Candelilla being one of them!
This plant is harvested for its wax, used in products like chewing gum, inks, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The Candelilla Wax Industry is expected to grow from USD 160 Billion in 2023 to more than USD 275 billion by 2032, indicating the growing demand of the plant.
Candelilla provides income and employment for local people while preserving traditional knowledge. Without legal export opportunities, local livelihoods would suffer, as Candelilla is essential to many families in the Chihuahuan Desert.
However, unsustainable harvesting and trade led to interventions from CITES authorities in Mexico. These included improved harvesting methods and CITES permit enforcement to prevent overexploitation, ensuring that the species can regenerate. And they have been successful with their conservation efforts.
2. Guaiac wood or Holywood (Bulnesia sarmientoi, CITES Appendix II):
Next, in Paraguay’s Gran Chaco region, Guaiacwood, or Holy wood, produces fragrant wood used locally for medicine, handicrafts, and internationally in the perfume industry.
This species was listed under CITES Appendix II in 2010, to regulate its trade so that international demand would not threaten this slow-growing tree. Through partnerships with local landowners, private companies like Nelixia use low impact harvesting techniques and certifications to ensure sustainable practices. We’ll be hearing more about the approach of Nelixia from the Co-founder and CEO Elisa Aragon who is here with us today.
This cooperation promotes forest regeneration, conserves biodiversity, and demonstrates how natural resource management can align with economic benefits through international trade—particularly important given the limited local market for Guaiac wood products.
3. African Cherry (Prunus africana, CITES Appendix II):
Lastly, let’s cross the Atlantic Ocean to Cameroon, where the African cherry tree is known for its use in traditional medicine and is exported for pharmaceutical applications. Locally, the bark is harvested, and the tree is valued for its timber, both of which contribute to the livelihoods of communities in the region.
To balance economic opportunities with conservation, state-private-community partnerships have played a key role in supporting the development of management plans, training programs, and traceability procedures.
These efforts have aimed to ensure that the priorities of local communities are addressed and that they are actively involved in the development and implementation of sustainable harvesting practices. Without such involvement, communities may resort to cutting and burning forests to clear land for livestock grazing or cash crops.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, we are gathered here not just as representatives of various sectors but as stewards of our planet, united in our commitment to securing a sustainable future for our biodiversity and fostering social inclusion at every step of the way.
We are fortunate to be joined today by innovators who are leading the way in the integration of social and biodiversity considerations into the global value chains.
As we move into the discussion, let us consider what untapped market potential could help us achieve our nature and people-positive goals, particularly those laid out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
I wish you a productive and inspiring discussion. Thank you.
Photos by IISD/ENB | Angeles Estrada Vigil