CITES

The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) is an agreement between governments around the world. Its purpose is to ensure that animals and plants in international trade are not exploited unsustainably.Fiji Islands signed up to CITES in 1997. CITES establishes the international legal framework and procedural mechanisms to regulate the international trade of endangered and protected species of plants and animals. There is a licensing system, which authorizes the export and import of plants and animals listed as being endangered and protected. Governments must designate a Management Authority (MA) to manage the licensing system and a Scientific Authority to advise the MA on effects of trade on status of species.

Endangered and Protected Species (EPS) Act (2002) and Regulations (2003)

Fiji has legislation which implements the convention (CITES). The EPS Act establishes the Fiji Islands CITES Management Authority, which coordinates the national implementation of CITES with relevant agencies and other stakeholders. The Act also establishes the Fiji Islands Scientific Authority which advises the MA on the issuance of permits and certificates granted for trade in specimens of species listed in the CITES Appendices. Measures in the EPS Act and regulations go beyond CITES obligations. The Act regulates trade in CITES species as well as endangered Fijian plants and animals (Schedules 1 and 2)

The Act applies to any endangered or protected species listed in

• Appendix I to the CITES: threatened with extinction
• Appendix II to the CITES: must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival
• Appendix III to the CITES: protected in at least one country
• Schedule I: lists all species indigenous to the Fiji Islands but not listed in Appendix I and are believed to be threatened with extinction
• Schedule 2: lists all species indigenous to the Fiji Islands but not listed in Appendix, I, II, III or Schedule 1 to the Act
  (refer to the CITES Poster)

h2>What can you do to help Fiji meet its obligations under CITES?

• Ensure that you are not selling or taking any items out of Fiji, that are listed in section 3 of the Act, without being registered or having the necessary permit.
• You can apply to be registered to sell and trade items listed in section 3 of the Act, and obtain permits to take such items out of Fiji through the Department of Environment which is the Secretariat of the Fiji Islands CITES Management Authority.
• The Act has strong enforcement provisions with fines of up to $5000 or 2 years imprisonment for breaches of provisions under the Act.

If in doubt contact the Department of Environment on 331 1699

or the Department of Fisheries on 330 1611.

Fishies Acts:

• Humphead Wrasse Moratorium Aug2004
• Turtle Amendment Fisheries Act Cap 158 Feb 2004