This CITES Engagement Strategy is a multilateral document designed to (i) facilitate effective participation of SADC Member States in CITES processes; (ii) enhance cooperation among member states; (iii) promote sustainable resource management; (iv) ensure that the rights of local communities are upheld in the context of environmental governance. The document promotes the sustainable use of natural resources to improve rural livelihoods and the regional economy, both largely nature-based. The Strategy aims to leverage the value of ivory and rhino horn, regarded as part of SADC's natural wealth, to cover conservation costs, enhance local livelihoods, and foster regional development. By advocating for an international trading system with open markets to balance supply and demand, it seeks to reduce illegal hunting and enhance transparency to combat corruption. Focusing primarily on elephant ivory and rhino horn—key, sensitive wildlife products in government-controlled stockpiles—the strategy addresses the challenges posed by the current CITES impasse. The goals include (i) enhancing understanding of how international trade can incentivize community conservation and finance wildlife management; (ii) advocating for changes in CITES policies regarding the sustainable use of wildlife resources; (iii) making SADC's case in the AU and UN, grounded in international law and multilateral agreements. Detailed activities and indicators have been developed to achieve these goals. Managing and disposing of current stockpiles of valuable wildlife products is a primary concern, requiring thorough consultation. Many SADC Member States face high management costs, risks of deterioration or theft, and significant opportunity costs from not converting these assets into revenue to support conservation programs or incentivize rural communities to coexist with wildlife. To achieve its strategic objectives by 2026, SADC shall (i) facilitate the SADC CITES Taskforce’s operationalization by mobilizing resources and enhancing advocacy skills; (ii) develop and implement a professional communications strategy for CITES issues, including content creation and campaign management; (iii) present a unified front at CITES by establishing a common position and guidelines; (iv) obtain legal advice to advance disputes and submit formal complaints regarding unmet commitments and decisions affecting conservation; (v) address the human rights impacts on indigenous communities; (vi) promote public protests and petitions by indigenous and rural communities to international bodies and governments; (vii) create a parallel trade mechanism with international partners, preparing technical documents and engaging with CITES authorities in China, Japan, and Vietnam; (viii) seek support from the African Union to affirm sovereign rights over natural resources and gain legal and political backing; (ix) advocate at the United Nations for the respect of sovereign rights over natural resources, preparing briefing documents, and pursuing supportive resolutions.
2023-06-01