Int’l body engages China to respect wildlife protection pacts
MANILA — United Nations-backed Conference of Parties (COP) on the Conservation of Migratory Species of WildAnimals (CMS), held in Manila from October 23 to 28, continues to engage China to observe international treaties seeking to stop the hunting and trade of wild animals.
"We are trying to work to bring China on board. We are engaging them. Five to six years ago the engagement is very low, but we continue to work with them," CMS executive secretary Bradnee Chambers said yesterday on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the week-long 12th Convention on the CMS hosted by the Philippines.
Chambers said their group's continued engagement with China is bearing some positive developments such as the People's Republic of China's recent rule on banning the serving of sharks fin soup and other endangered exotic animals in government banquets.
Chambers said they are continuously working on encouraging China and other Asian countries to be signatories to the CMS, the first and only global intergovernmental treaty established exclusively for the "conservation and management of terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range."
"There is possibility to get China on board. What we need is positive engagements. We, the United Nations, aims to work with all countries, including those who are violating some of the principles in protecting our species," Chambers said.
"There are quite few parties in Asia that are not members. But we are encouraging other parties to look at CMS and become members," CMS standing committee chair Oystein Storkensen added. China has been known for trading wild species for delicacies, medicines, amulets and ornaments.
Meanwhile, Department of Environment and Natural Resources undersectary Rodolfo Garcia said the the Philippine and other CMSmember states are also working on formalizing a resolution for the protection of species passing through the contested South China Sea.
Meanwhile, the Conference of Parties to the CMS adopted all the five resolutions submitted by the Philippines seeking greater protection for whale sharks or Butanding and four other species frequenting the country. —