R01: For actions against trade with endangered species

In order for trade to be legal it needs to be traceable and sustainable, with different criteria based on the classification of the species. The classifications are laid out in appendices to the convention, of which at the EUs versionEuropean level is translated as follows:

In 2022 a new Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) was created inadopted by the EUEuropean Commission to guide the unions’ workMember States' actions towards ending wildlife trafficking. This plan has four main priorities:

Not all of these animals are hunted in the wild. Quite a few are instead bred in private hands in the EU. At first glance, this might seem a good thing. It could mean that natural populations aren’t put under pressure by hunters, and therefore be a positive move towards having healthy populations.

Not all of these animals are collected or hunted in the wild. Quite a few are instead bred in private hands in the EU. At first glance, this might seem a good thing. It could mean that natural populations aren’t put under pressure by collectors or hunters, and therefore be a positive move towards having healthy populations.

Not all of these animals are hunted in the wild. Quite a few are instead bred in private hands in the EU. At first glance, this might seem a good thing. It could mean that natural populations aren’t put under pressure by hunters, and therefore bemake a positive movecontribution towards having healthy populations.

However, the problem with this trade is that it creates a demand for these products. A demand which drives up prices and makes illegal hunting more profitable. Therefore it is imperative that the EU seeksEuropean countries seek to abolish the trade and sale of goods relating to endangered animals. As European Greens we support animal rights in every corner of the world and need to acknowledge and make use of the cumulative effects stemming from cracking down on the trafficking of endangered species.

It’s imperative that each country knows how many endangered and CITES-listed animals there are in private hands. Each animal in private hands needs to be identifiable by authorities, whether it be by ID-chips, photos or DNA. This information also needs to be widely accessible and kept up to date across jurisdictions and borders. This entails regular inventory checks as well as cooperation with relevant authorities.

However, the problem with this trade is that it creates a demand for these productsanimals or products derived from them. A demand which drives up prices and makes illegal collection and hunting more profitable. Therefore it is imperative that the EU seeks to abolish the trade and sale of goods relating tolive animals of endangered animals.species and goods derived from them As European Greens we support animal rights in every corner of the world and need to acknowledge and make use of the cumulative effects stemming from cracking down on the trafficking of endangered species.

It’s imperative that each country knows how many endangered and CITES-listed animals there are in private hands. Each animal in private hands needs to be identifiable by authorities, whether it be by ID-chips, photos or DNA. This information also needs to be widely accessible and kept up to date across jurisdictions and borders. This entails regular inventory checks as well as cooperation with relevant authorities.

In addition, it is imperative that all Member States adopt legislation encompassing a"positive list for companion animals", which limits the keeping and trade of live animals to those species that are suitable from an animal welfare, conservation as well as human and animal health perspective. Several EU Member States have already developed such positive lists or are in the process to do so. Moreover, recognizing that the EU is amongst the major consumers of wildlife and that only a fraction of the species in trade are currently listed in CITES, it is imperative that EU Member States at least monitor the import and export of all wildlife. Moreover, the EU needs to adopt legislation criminalizing the import, trade and possession of species that are not CITES-listed but protected nationally in their country of origin.

All listed species in CITES should be kept record for, in order to make sure that parts from the animals don't end up on the black market.

All listed species in CITESRecords should be kept record forfor all listed species in CITES, in order to make sure that parts from the animals don't end up on the black market.

Today there is a huge variety in the type of agencies, what level of legislation and what combination of competencies different countries' laws regarding animal trafficking have. This creates loopholes which criminal organisations can use, especially combined with the lack of oversight that countries have over private owners of CITES-listed animals. To combat this, the EU legislationnew Wildlife Action Plan needs to be translated and adopted into national legislation. A comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system should also be implemented and law enforcement agencies on all levels should deepen the cooperation with CSOs.

Today there is a huge variety in the type of agencies, what level of legislation and what combination of competencies different countries' laws regarding animal trafficking have. This creates loopholes which criminal organisations can use, especially combined with the lack of oversight that countries have over private owners of CITES-listed animals. To combat this, the EU legislation needs to be better translated and adopted into national legislation and implemented by Member States. A comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system should also be implemented and law enforcement agencies on all levels should deepen the cooperation with CSOs.

Today there is a huge variety in the type of agencies, whatthe level of legislation, and what combinationthe strength of competencies different countries' laws regardingrelated to animal trafficking have. This creates loopholes which criminal organisations can use, especially combined with the lack of oversight that countries have over private owners of CITES-listed animals. To combat this, the EU legislation needs to be translated and adopted into national legislation. A comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system should also be implemented and law enforcement agencies on all levels should deepen the cooperation with CSOs.

The implementation ofMember states, when implementing the Action Plan should also make use of financial investigations and asset recovery, using approaches which could allow authorities to identify organised criminal networks. This also includes working towards creating legislation enabling authorities to recover or freeze the assets of persons associated with wildlife trafficking.

The private import and export of trophies, for commercial use or other, from CITES-listed animals should therefore be banned within the EUin all European countries.

The private import and export of trophies, for commercial use or otherany use, from CITES-listed animals should therefore be banned within the EU.

Funding:

Adequate resources:

EUAll appropriate European institutions and the EU Member Statesall countries should make efforts to identify and allocate budgets dedicated to implement the Action Plan.

Education:

Training:

National law enforcement agencies need to be fully mobilised, trained and specialised to investigate and prosecute this type of crime and have clear and followable national targets.equipped with specialised personnel to investigate and prosecute this type of crime . This goes for customs officials as well as actors in the traditional legal system. CSOs should also be acknowledged and supported in these efforts.