China's first regulations on trade of endangered species

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China's first regulations on trade of endangered species comes into effect

August 31, 2006

Source: Xinhua

 

China's first regulation on the trade of endangered wild fauna and flora

comes into effect on Sept. 1, and Chinese officials say it will be strictly

enforced.

 

The rules cover wildlife listed by the Convention on International Trade in

Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). China joined the

international convention in 1980.

 

Chen Jianwei, deputy director of the Office of State Endangered Species

Trade Management, said the rules forbid trading of wildlife and related

products that are banned by the convention.

 

Under the rules, approval from the Chinese Government is required for export

and import wildlife or wildlife products for non-commercial purposes, such

as scientific research, breeding, or exchanges.

 

Zhang Jianlong, deputy director of the State Forestry Administration, said

the rules, known as the Regulations on Trade in Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora, will play an important role in protecting endangered

species, safeguarding the ecology and help sustain the species.

 

Fan Xiaojian, deputy minister of agriculture, said the rules will safeguard

grain and biological safety and promote sustainable development of

agriculture and rural economy.

 

China's rich bio-diversity boasts nearly 20,000 aquatic animals and about

600 aquatic plants, and its grassland is home to about 7,000 wild plants and

10,000 animals.

 

The country's wildlife resources are facing unprecedented threats from fast

economic and social development, said the vice-minister.

 

Frequent international exchanges and a rapid increase of international trade

in wildlife may drain biological resources and lead to an invasion of

foreign species, he warned.

 

He said the Ministry of Agriculture, which is in charge of management of

aquatic animals and plants, will enforce the regulations.

 

Willem Wijnstekers, secretary-general of CITES, welcomes the new regulations

as it signals new progress China has made in complying with the convention.

 

The regulations stipulate government departments at both central and local

levels must crack down on illegal trade of the wildlife, such as the pelts

of large cats and ivory, said the secretary-general.

 

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