[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 8 (Thursday, January 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E92]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF 
   REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE CONVENTION ON 
   INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 20, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives 
regarding the contributions of the Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
  CITES was created in 1973 to ensure that international trade in wild 
plants and animals does not threaten their survival. Launched with a 
few signatory nations, CITES has now 175 parties that have an 
international obligation and responsibility to protect our planet's 
endangered animals and plants. Nearly 5,000 species of animals and 
28,000 species of plants are protected by the convention against over-
exploitation through international trade. Adherence to these protective 
measures has benefited the conservation of animals and plants 
worldwide.
  Unfortunately, more and more species are at risk of extinction and 
international trade, both legal and illegal, which has exacerbated the 
dangers. International wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions 
of dollars per year and to include hundreds of millions of live plants 
and animals and derived products such as food products, leather and 
fur, ornamentals, medicinal, and timber. Such high levels of 
exploitation of and trade in wild animals and plants, together with 
other factors such as habitat loss, are capable of bringing some 
species close to extinction.
  Every two to three years, the parties of CITES meet at the Conference 
of the Parties to review the status of species in danger of extinction 
and establish trade restrictions. The 15th meeting of the Conference of 
the Parties was held in March 2010. Several proposals were submitted 
during the summit, some of them ensuring better protections for 
endangered species, others trying to downlist species and re-open 
trade. While proposals to downlist elephant populations in Tanzania and 
Zambia were successfully defeated, several proposals to establish 
stronger protections for the polar bear, eight sharks, the bluefin tuna 
and other species were unfortunately rejected. I am saddened to see 
that economic interests have prevailed over species conservation, 
risking to bring species close to extinction. This is unacceptable.
  My resolution will recognize the important contributions the 
convention has made in regulating international trade in endangered 
species and protecting endangered species worldwide. It will also 
applaud the convention's leadership in protecting elephants in Tanzania 
and Zambia. Lastly, the resolution will urge all parties to the 
convention to collaborate effectively to curb excessive exploitation of 
species for international trade and to adopt stronger protections for 
several endangered species at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the 
Parties in 2013.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States has a moral obligation to protect 
endangered species and their natural habitat. Wild animals are a very 
important part of our commonly held natural resources and contribute to 
the diversity and stability of our environment. We must continue to 
maintain a balanced and healthy ecosystem that allows for the 
coexistence of both human beings and the world's most incredible 
species. It is essential to work with the international community to 
ensure the survival of these species. I believe that the stakes are too 
high to let national interests and differences hinder the future of our 
planet.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in protecting wildlife and promoting 
environmental conservation across the globe by supporting this 
important resolution.

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