Evaluation of the European scientific authority structure in the control of wildlife trade under CITES

Authors : Çağdan Uyar

Pages : 302-312

Doi:10.53516/ajfr.1803851

View : 43 | Download : 81

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background and Aims This study investigate the relationship between the institutional profiles of CITES Scientific Authorities and their effectiveness in combating illegal wildlife trade, with a particular focus on European Union countries. Methods Qualitative and quantitative data analysis was applied in the study, and the scientific authority institutional structures of the Convention parties were grouped. A numerical comparison was made between the institutions announced according to the official data of the Secretariat and European countries, and measures to be taken in line with the reasons for the increase in illegal trade were interpreted. Results The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, known as CITES for short, has 185 parties worldwide, including the European Union. Among all parties, there are 31 countries with universities as their scientific authorities, of which approximately 13% are in the European Union countries. Among all Parties, there are 62 countries with ministries as scientific authorities, of which approximately 11% are in the European Union countries. Conclusions With these ratios; it is thought that the success of protectionism in general will be higher with an increase on the number of universities in the European Union countries\\\' scientific authorities. It is also important to regularly monitor whether countries have a team of experts on plant and animal species within their scientific authorities and whether this team is in constant communication with customs units.
Keywords : Biyoçeşitliliği koruma, yasadışı yaban hayatı ticareti, yönetişim, yaban hayatı yönetimi

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