Today the European Parliament voted on a resolution setting out the Parliament’s position in advance of the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Bangkok (Thailand), 3-14 March 2013.

Today the European Parliament voted on a resolution setting out the Parliament’s position in advance of the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Bangkok (Thailand), 3-14 March 2013.

In particular, MEPs want to see changes in measures related to shark species and African elephants. The Parliament voted to support proposals to enhance the protection of several shark species while refusing to down-grade the stringent conservation status of the African elephant.

Furthermore the Parliament voted to support proposals put forward by Denmark, during its recent Presidency of the EU, on behalf of Member States, to reduce the use of secret ballots in order to increase the transparency of decision-making within CITES.

European Conservatives and Reformists’ environment committee spokesperson Anna Rosbach MEP has co-sponsored the resolution.

Mrs Anna Rosbach said:

“Endangered species around the world are entitled to our protection. Today the European Parliament has voted to increase protection of a number of endangered species and to secure transparency and accountability in future decision-making”

“International trade in wild animals and plants must not be a threat to the survival of the species in their natural habitats. I believe transparency will help provide the necessary commitments in future negotiations.”

“We cannot put short-term economic interest before the protection of our wildlife. Several endangered species are being traded around the world. This is a disgraceful practice that must be brought to an end.”