An Exposition to India s Commitment to GTF, CITES and E50:50

Transcription

1 MCT for IFS Officers- Phase IV An Exposition to India s Commitment to GTF, CITES and E50:50 Dehradun 9 July 2013 Jagdish Kishwan Chief Advisor, Policy Wildlife Trust of India Former Additional Director General (Wildlife), Government of India Former Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education

2 International Policy Advocacy Division Wildlife Trust of India

3 Policy Advocacy? Policy Advocacy Identify Issue Generate Public Opinion Improve Existing Policies New Policies

4 Policy Advocacy Division, WTI Policy Advocacy GTF CITES Important International Issues

5 Global Tiger Forum An International Inter-governmental Forum to conserve tiger globally in wild in all range countries

6 Why Tiger? Largest among all living cats Top predator in forest ecosystem 1900 more than 100,000 tigers Present less than 3,500 tigers in 13 Tiger Range Countries Originally 8 sub-species- Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Sumatran tiger (P. t. sumatrae), Amur tiger (P. t. altaica), Indo-China tiger (P. t. corbetti), South China tiger (P. t. amoyensis), Caspian tiger (P. t. virgata), Javan tiger (P. t. sondaica) and Bali tiger (P. t. balica) 3 extinct- Caspian, Javan and Bali

7 Global Distribution of Tiger Source:

8 Global Tiger Forum- History February Decision to form Global Tiger Forum firmed up in International Tiger Symposium in New Delhi, India March GTF Formed in New Delhi, India First Chair- India s Union Minister for Environment and Forests (Mr. Kamal Nath) Number of initial attendees- 11 Tiger Range Countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam)

9 Global Tiger Forum- Goal To highlight rationale for tiger preservation and provide leadership and common approach throughout world in order to safeguard survival of tiger, its prey and its habitat

10 Objectives: To support, promote and encourage Worldwide campaign to save tiger, its prey and its habitat Legal framework in range countries for biodiversity conservation Protected area network of habitats of tiger and facilitate their inter passages in range countries Eco-development programmes with participation of communities living in and around protected areas Countries to enter into relevant conventions for conservation of tiger and elimination of illegal trade Carry out scientific research to generate information useful for tiger, its prey and its habitat to disseminate such information in an easily accessible manner

11 Objectives: To support, promote and encourage Development and exchange of appropriate technologies and training programmes for scientific wildlife management by member countries Range countries to prepare and implement their individual Action Plans for protection and growth of tiger population and its prey-base Inter-governmental organizations for protection of tiger Creation of participative fund to create and instill awareness in people consuming tiger parts and derivatives for eliminating such consumption and identifying substitutes

12 GOAL Highlight rationale for tiger preservation and provide leadership for safeguarding survival of tiger, its prey-base and habitat Awareness Campaign Biodiversity: Legal Framework OBJECTIVES Extensive PA Network +Corridors Research on Habitat+Prey Capacity Building

13 General Assembly Highest policy making organ of GTF GA elects the chairperson for three years Sets direction and policy of GTF Determines dues of members

14 GTF Members 7 TRCs (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam) 2 non-range countries (US, UK) 3 International NGOs (WWF-International, IFAW and TRAFFIC-International) 8 National NGOs (India: Ranthambhore Foundation, WPSI, WTI, Tiger Research and Conservation Trust, Corbett Foundation, Center for Wildlife Studies Nepal: National Trust for Nature Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Nepal)

15 WTI and GTF Member of Global Tiger Forum Technical support to GTF Secretariat Liaise with TRCs for implementation of National Tiger Action Plans Drafting of GTF newsletter

16 Member of Core Working Group of GTF WTI and GTF Organizing and attending EC meetings, tiger summits and workshops Assist in GTF s capacity building programme in TRCs Lobby with non-member TRCs for joining GTF

17 Global Tiger Forum- Functions Electing its Chair, approving budgets and programmes Formulating general policies of Forum. Setting its work and procedures including that of its Secretariat. Making recommendations to Governments as well as non-governmental organizations on any matter related to Forum s objectives.

18 Global Tiger Forum- Completed Projects Tiger Workshop of TRCs at Sariska, India, to develop a standard protocol for monitoring of tiger and its prey-base. Protocol yet not finalized Global Tiger Forum Consultative meeting to develop a strategic vision in order to revitalize GTF and conserve, stabilize and increase population of wild tigers. Strategic vision yet to be finalized

19 Global Tiger Forum- Completed Projects Organized Kathmandu Global Tiger Workshop mandated by 4 th General Assembly of GTF and 14 th CoP of CITES jointly with GTI and other partners. Outcome?? Technical Staff of GTF visited Cambodia and Lao PDR to assist 2 TRCs in upgradation/preparation of National Tiger Action Plans. Outcome?? 2007, Organised 'Training - cum visit' - programme for officers of Tiger Range Countries in two tiger reserves of India. Outcome??

20 Global Tiger Forum- Ongoing Projects Tiger Watch: Under Tiger Watch programme, field officers from Russia every year visit tiger reserves in India. Global Tiger Recovery Programme: Monitoring of Programme continues. Capacity Building: Training of TRC officials in Wildlife Management (10 Month and 3 Month courses annually in WII)

21 Global Tiger Forum- Future Projects Training and visit programme for field functionaries of tiger range countries. International workshop on Assessment of status of tigers, co-predators, prey and habitats. International workshop on "Rebuilding tiger population in low density tiger landscapes.

22 Global Tiger Forum- Publication 1) Action tiger National Tiger Action Plans (NTAPs) of all 13 Tiger Range Countries Specific problems of each TRC requiring specific solutions discussed 2) GTF Newsletter Biannual Gives update on activities, issues, problems and solutions on tiger conservation related to GTF members

23 Global Tiger Forum- An Assessment Forum though international in conception, apparently an India centric entity; very little international significance Many important TRCs- China, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea- not yet members Not yet recognized as apex international body in tiger science, management and policy Financially insecure and inadequately staffed GTF Secretariat devoid of international getup and flavour Pursuing only adhoc activities- grossly inadequate with little follow-up

24 Global Tiger Forum- Making it Effective Give it international flavour by expanding Secretariat and inducting tiger conservationists of TRCs as important functionaries Secretariat to have 2 nd line functionaries (DDGs) representing different tiger regions, like S Asia, SE Asia, China, Russia GTF to lobby hard for entry of China and Russia as members GTF to raise resources from TRCs and international donors GTF hibernation providing space for others entry- GTI

25 United to save the tiger from extinction Dr Jagdish Kishwan Chief Advisor, Wildlife Trust of India

26 What is Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) is a global alliance of governments, international organizations, civil society, conservation and scientific community, and private sector committed to working together toward a common agenda to save wild tigers from extinction.

27 GTI- History Launched in 2008 Founding partners- World Bank, Global Environment Facility, Smithsonian Institution, Save the Tiger Fund and International Tiger Coalition (representing more than 40 non-government organizations), 13 TRCs also partners of GTI GTI Secretariat- housed in World Bank Headquarters in Washington

28 GTI- Partners 13 Tiger Range Countries

29 GTI- Vision We aspire to a world where, by 2022, wild tigers across Asia will no longer face the risk of extinction and will live in healthy populations within high conservation value landscapes that are managed sustainably for present and future generations.

30 GTI- Activities Since inception, GTI engaged with TRC governments and NGOs aiming to further define policies and programmes focusing on tiger conservation worldwide. St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation and the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) set in motion implementation of an overarching and comprehensive global plan to double population of wild tigers by next Year of the Tiger in For ease of monitoring and improving effectiveness, tiger conservation activities in TRCs divided into six thematic areas (see next slide) Monitoring of Progress- Monitoring done at two levels- i) Program monitoring, and ii) Biological monitoring

31 Thematic Areas of GTI Activities 1. Protecting Habitat- Policy advocacy, conservation interventions, and forging private-sector partnerships to protect and conserve critical tiger landscapes, corridors, and core breeding areas. 2. Fighting Wildlife Crime- Strengthen wildlife law enforcement to meet challenge of international wildlife crime by establishing trans-boundary international collaboration and using innovative technology, and experience of conservation experts. 3. Building Capacity- Strengthen capacities of TRC officials in habitat protection and management through KETT knowledge exchange and technology transfer

32 Thematic Activities of GTI Activities 4. Reducing Demand- Demand persistent for tiger skins, meat, bones, teeth, claws, and other parts despite tougher laws for control of trade. 5. Engaging Communities- Enable local communities residing near tiger habitats to avoid human-tiger conflict, learn and adopt best conservation practices, and avail of compensation and insurance facilities provided by government. 6. Innovation- Use expertise of global conservation community and mobilize resources from international institutions and private sector.

33 Thank You.

34 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Dr Jagdish Kishwan Chief Advisor, Wildlife Trust of India

35 What is CITES? CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments (to sustain balance between trade and conservation)

36 CITES- History of Constitution Need for international agreement for wildlife trade flagged CITES drafted following adoption of resolution in IUCN meeting 3 March Text of Convention agreed in meeting of representatives of 80 countries in Washington, USA 1 July CITES entered into force

37 India in CITES Ratification - 20 July 1976 Entry into force- 18 October 1976

38 CITES- How it works? Subjects international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls For species covered by CITES prescribes licensing mechanism for import, export, reexport and introduction from sea Species covered by CITES listed in three Appendices- Appendix I, II and III

39 CITES- Appendices Appendix I- Includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species permitted only in exceptional circumstances-tiger, lion, wild buffalo, hangul, elephant, etc. Appendix II- Includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but require trade regulation and control to ensure conservation and survival- elephant (Botswana, Namibia, SA, Zimbabwe), rauvolfia, ginseng Appendix III- Includes species protected at least in one country, which requires other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling its trade- Canis aureus (India), Vulpes spp (India), mongooses (India)

40 CITES- Structure

41 CITES- Member (Conference of Party) Government of a State by making a formal declaration of adhering to provisions of CITES in writing to Depositary Government i.e. Government of Switzerland can 'join' the Convention Once Convention enters into force for a State, it becomes a Party to CITES COP- supreme decision-making body of Convention Total Number of Parties- 178 Number of Parties to CITES fluctuates because of geopolitical changes (e.g. Unification of States, withdrawal from membership)

42 CITES- (Conference of Party) Graph showing increase of CITES member over the period Global Distribution of CITES members

43 CITES- GOALs 1. Ensure compliance with and implementation and enforcement of Convention 2. Secure necessary financial resources and means for implementing Goal 1 3. Contribute in significant reduction of rate of biodiversity loss by ensuring synergy between CITES and other multilateral instruments and processes and agreements

44 Objectives- Goals 1, 2, 3 Parties comply with their obligations under the Convention through appropriate policies, legislation and procedures. Implementation of the Convention at the national level is consistent with decisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties. Best available scientific information is the basis for nondetriment findings. Parties are enforcing the Convention to reduce illegal wildlife trade Resources sufficient to support effective implementation of CITES, and capacity building of country Parties Ensure sustainable trade in wildlife supportive of MDGs and CBD (Aichi Targets)

45 CITES- Achievement so far Created Species Database- Appendix I, II, III Created Trade Database- To regulate export quotas of tradable species to ensure conservation and healthy populations CITES Trade Database, managed by UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEPWCMC) currently holds 10 million records of trade in wildlife and about 50,000 scientific names of taxa listed by CITES > 24 publications

46 CITES- Publications More than 24 Publications so far

47 India- CITES Issues International trade suspension on India imposed in SC 59 in 2010 for not meeting short/long term recommendations of SC in respect of Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew): For want of data on level of artificial propagation, NDF study Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sanders) For want of meeting SC Short term recommendations: Data sought by CITES: level of artificial propagation, permit process and discrepancies between reported Customs data and CITES data; Long term recommendations: NDF study

48 India- CITES Issues India raised matter in SC 61 in June 2011 requesting for lifting of international trade suspension by CITES on T. wallichiana and P. santalinus Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew): India argued that export of products or derivatives from species was prohibited, and since no export was contemplated, CITES may consider lifting of ban Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sanders): Since data sought by CITES on level of artificial propagation, permit process and discrepancies between reported Customs data and CITES data, had been sent, and NDF promised to be completed by November 2011, trade ban should be lifted.

49 India- CITES Issues Decision of SC 61 in June 2011 on lifting of international trade suspension on India by CITES on T. wallichiana and P. santalinus Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew): SC decided to lift trade ban immediately Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sanders): SC authorized the CITES Secretariat to lift trade ban once NDF Report and findings were submitted by India in November 2011 India submitted NDF study on P. santalinus in November 2011 seeking permission for export of seized stocks of 11,800 MT (8,000 MT in AP), and 310 MT every year from plantations in AP, TN (20)

50 India- CITES Issues CITES Secretariat accepted India s NDF study and report on Red Sanders and lifted the suspension on international trade, also allowing export of 11,800 MT of seized stocks and 220 MT of wood from plantations every year Decision of SC 62 in July 2012 on lifting of international trade suspension on India by CITES on P. santalinus Based on India s report on NDF, and seeking one time export of seized stocks of red sanders (11,800 MT- 8,000 MT A.P.), SC confirmed decision of CITES Secretariat to lift trade ban and allow export of seized wood and annual quota of 220 MT from plantations

51 India- CITES Issues Revision of Resolution on trade in elephant specimens India made Cochair along with Uganda of a Sub-Group to revise Resolution and submit draft to SC by 15 September India submitted revised draft in time after hectic consultations with Parties. Draft adopted in CITES COP 16 held in March 2013 in Bangkok

52 CITES Management in India- Issues ADG (WL) CITES MA, India; AD, WCCBs CITES AMAs Technical and administrative support in MoEF negligible CITES Cell with representatives from WPSI, WWF- India, WII, DGFT, Ministry of Commerce, etc created and functional in MoEF CITES Cell requires strengthening CITES AMAs need field and inspection staff to control wildlife trade at major seaports and airports CITES yet to be incorporated in WLPA 1972

53 WTI and CITES Maintains national level wild elephant mortality database (EMDB) and ivory seizures Assists CITES Management Authority (MA) of India (MoEF) in preparing notes and interventions on agendas of SC and COP; WTI experts also attend Animal Committee, SC and COP meetings of CITES as Advisors Assists MA of India in drafting proposals for downlisting, uplisting or inclusion of species in CITES Appendices

54 Thank you..

55 Elephant Species: World Asian Elephant, 4 Subspecies Sri Lankan Elephant- Elephas maximus maximuspopulation: 3,000-4,500 Sumatran Elephant- Elephas maximus sumatranussmallest Asian elephant, population: 2,500-3,500 Mainland or Indian Elephant- Elephas maximus indicusfound in SE Asia, China (very small) population: 25,000 Borneo Pygmy Elephant- Elephas maximus borneensispopulation: <1,500 African Elephant, 2 Species, population: 500,000 - Savannah Elephant- Loxodonta africana - Forest Elephant- Loxodonta cyclotis

56 MoEF: Elephant Task Force Dr Mahesh Rangarajan Mr Ajay Desai Dr R Sukumar Dr PS Easa Mr Vivek Menon Dr S Vincent Ms Suparna Ganguly Dr BK Talukdar Mr Bijendra Singh Dr Divya Mudappa Dr Sushant Chowdhary Mr AN Prasad August 2010: Gajah: Report of the Elephant Task Force

57 Gajah: Elephant Task Force Report 2010 Creation of NECA 10 Elephant landscapes to include existing 32 Elephant Reserves, 40% reserves not under WLPA Elephant Reserves to be declared as ESAs Elephant corridors already identified ~80 to be secured Mitigation of human-elephant conflict Organization of International Elephant Congress of 50 range States, and forging of an Asian partnership

58 International Elephant Congress and Ministerial Meet or E-50:50 Meet

59 E8 Meet, May 2011, New Delhi Date Hotel Ashok Participation of 200 delegates including Ministerial delegates from seven oversea countries

60 E 8 Countries Asian Countries India Indonesia Sri Lanka Thailand African Countries Botswana Congo Brazzaville Kenya Tanzania

61 Technical Sessions Elephant Science and Conservation Elephant Management and Conservation Elephant Conservation: Cultural and Ethical Perspective

62 Outcome of E-8 Meet New Delhi E-8 Recommendation on Global Elephant Conservation Recognized need of protection and conservation of elephants worldwide (Africa and Asia) To hold E-50:50 Meet in India in 2013 to chalk out global vision for elephants

63 Conduct of E50:50 Administration Committee Programme Committee

64 Proposed Countries for E50: 50

65 E50: 50 Brochure

66 Format First three days-congress Fourth and fifth day- Field tour (Rajaji and Corbett National Park) Sixth day- Ministerial Meet

67 Status Update E8 proceedings finalized and published Venue (New Delhi) and dates (14-19 November 2013) finalized Invitation letter sent by Hon ble Minister to Ministers of 49 range countries List of invited speakers finalized Conference programme finalized

68 Status update Technical and Core committees for E50:50 constituted MEA and MHA clearance obtained IEC logo finalized

69 Expectations IEC-MM year vision document for global protection, conservation and welfare of elephants India assumes leading role in global elephant conservation Preparation of Asian Elephant Action Plan decided

70 Any Questions Still!

71 Thank You.