19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

The 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP19) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is currently underway in Panama City in Panama from 14-25 November 2022.The meeting convene at a time when the health of the planet is under threat. Biodiversity is one of the main indicators of the planet’s health and the fact that so many species are thought to be at increased risk is a worrying trend.

The Minister of Environment Climate Tourism and Hospitality Industry Zimbabwe Hon Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu (MP) addressed a press conference today, at the ongoing CITES CoP19. The press conference was organized by Zimparks together with Community Leaders. The network was meant to lobby for the inclusion of local communities as an important part of CITES decision making processes.

Minister Ndhlovu called on CITES to respect rural communities and their livelihoods. He said that there is need for communities to benefit from wildlife. He reiterated the call to ensure that CITES recognizes the role of communities in wildlife management.
Zimbabwe and other like minded parties continue to lobby for the strengthened role of communities in issues that affect them. The press conference was attended by CITES parties from different regions and NGOs in CITES.

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