CITES Secretary-General, Ivonne Higuero's message for International Biodiversity Day 2023
On this International Day of Biodiversity, CITES sends its congratulations to the governments of the world for their historical agreement on the Global Biodiversity Framework, which will transform our relationship with nature. The CITES Parties will now work to integrate the relevant goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework with the CITES Strategic Vision. The CITES Vision is complementary to the GBF’s target to ensure that international trade in endangered species of wild animals and plants is legal, sustainable and safe. The CITES measures regulating the international wildlife trade are designed to build back wild species populations so no animal or plant goes extinct due to international trade. Please join us, especially the youth and private sector actors, to move from agreement to action and live in harmony with nature. Let’s work together to ensure the survival of animals and plants in the wild for future generations to enjoy. Our own wellbeing depends on a healthy nature, so let’s stop asking from nature more than it can give to us.
Happy International Day of Biodiversity!