American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Course on Science Diplomacy
Keynote Address by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero
18 June 2024
Esteemed colleagues,
Participants,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a profound honour to embark on this academic journey with you today, exploring the integration of science, technology, wildlife conservation and diplomacy.
I would like to extend my gratitude to UNESCO, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and The World Academy of Sciences for inviting me to join this year's inauguration of the Course on Science Diplomacy.
As the Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, I witness firsthand the powerful interaction between science and diplomacy within the framework of this unique Convention.
CITES is an international agreement between governments—currently 184 Parties, including the European Union —aiming to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild.
This involves making certain that international trade in the over 40,000 animal and plant species listed in the CITES Appendices is sustainable, legal and traceable.
Since its entry into force in 1975, CITES has stood as one of the world’s most powerful tools in conservation, balancing ecological, livelihoods and economic needs.
Our mission is clear: to safeguard CITES listed animal and plant species so that trade does not threaten their existence in the wild. So that future generations may enjoy them, too. At the core of this mission lies science—a compass guiding us through the complexities of conservation and policymaking.
Science is not merely an academic pursuit confined to laboratories and research papers. It is the lifeblood of informed decision-making and the foundation upon which we build policies that transcend borders, cultures, and economies to benefit both people and nature.
Science diplomacy is at the heart of all CITES processes. The treaty requires Parties to designate a Management Authority, to grant permits for trade in CITES listed species, and a Scientific Authority that will carry out the studies needed to ensure sustainability of the international wildlife trade of that country. They must work together at the national level. Our science-policy interface aims to support policymakers to have access to the best scientific knowledge on which to base their decisions.
We work with Parties to help them implement CITES effectively in a supportive environment. Of course, while banning international trade in a species may prevent over-exploitation, it must be a last resort, deployed with careful consideration of impacts on livelihoods and economies, and avoid possible counterproductive consequences on habitats and the environment. A balanced approach seeks conservation actions that benefit both people and the planet, and considers ways to provide alternatives.
A useful illustration is the African cherry (Prunus africana). This tree is highly valued for its bark, used in pharmaceuticals and timber industries. Unsustainable harvesting practices threatened its recovery. This called for international cooperation and science-driven management plans.
Sustainable harvesting techniques were developed using genetic markers, and a state-private-community partnership in protected areas was established. This conserved the species and supported local communities.
Science diplomacy helps us address these problems through a unified approach, involving scientific collaborations among nations and sectors to address common problems and to build constructive international partnerships—including with the private sector.
Sustainable practices are not just about conserving biodiversity; they are also about ensuring long-term economic viability. If we exploit our natural resources unsustainably, they will not be available for future generations to enjoy. We must work closely with private sector industry leaders to find synergies between their expertise and interests in science, technology and innovation, with our own. Sustainability is key to ensuring profitability.
CITES implements the Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants or MIKE Programme, facilitating capacity-building for and among rangers on scientific analysis of mortality data. National authorities, conservationists and rangers coordinate cross-border cooperation in more than 40 countries across Africa and Asia. In practice, they exchange data on tracking elephant populations, monitoring illegal trade routes and improving human-elephant coexistence. The MIKE data is demonstrating that the range States’ anti-poaching efforts have been very successful. This success has meant significant growth of elephant populations in many range States, which is welcome by everyone. However, this has put a strain on resources, both habitats and financial, with damage to vegetation and crops of the local communities and resulting in human-wildlife conflict.
When it comes to wildlife conservation, different countries often face shared challenges, such as habitat loss and human-animal coexistence, including the need for sustainable financing for conservation. The benefits of wildlife conservation are global but the costs are local.
This is science diplomacy in action, involving multiple countries, ideally all countries, sharing data and resources to conserve elephants together.
Science drives every aspect of the work of CITES—from evaluating the recovery process of potentially over-harvested succulent plants, to developing identification tools for lookalike marine species, to making a Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) - a cornerstone of CITES scientific processes.
Before a trade permit can be issued, CITES Scientific Authorities must determine that the import/export/re-export will not be detrimental to the survival of species in the wild.
Creating NDFs is a collaborative undertaking based on scientific assessments. Decisions on improving the implementation of the Convention are grounded in comprehensive scientific reviews, covering aspects such as the species' population status, distribution, trends, harvesting practices, relevant biological and ecological factors, and trade information.
CITES Parties and other experts involved have to reach a consensus that the following resources should be considered: relevant scientific literature; ecological risk assessments; harvest location surveys; local community and indigenous expertise; local, regional and international expert consultation; and national and international trade information.
Science diplomacy holds a broader significance beyond CITES. It is a crucial instrument for addressing global challenges such as climate change, public health, and sustainable development.
Together, we are confronting a triple planetary crisis amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes. We urgently need to engage in policymaking grounded in scientific data that launches all living beings towards a more sustainable future for all.
And we can only arrive safely at this future if all are seated at the same table finding solutions, without forgetting indigenous peoples and local communities, and other vulnerable populations who should take part in the decision-making process and not left at the frontline of the crisis.
Our endeavours must also inspire and engage the younger generations. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. They are eager to contribute their technological savvy and invigorated perspectives to intergenerational diplomacy. We must be ready to equip them to forge an even more sustainable, effective and inclusive path for the science diplomats they will become.
The conservation of biodiversity is a universal imperative that requires us all to engage in dialogue, and arrive at solutions that consider diverse perspectives and realities, especially those of the Global South.
Science diplomacy can be an avenue for developing countries to access existing science and develop new science for infrastructural, educational and public health purposes, among others.
Nonetheless, as in all multilateral diplomacy arenas, we must commit to understanding different histories, contexts, and needs, as well as the potentially complex power dynamics involved.
Science does not operate in a vacuum; it is interwoven with diplomacy, economics, and the very livelihoods of people across the globe.
And science diplomacy is not just a tool, but a necessity for achieving our Sustainable Development Goals for nature and for people.
In this era of radical technological advancement, the intersection of science, technology, and innovation offers unprecedented opportunities for all realms within the sustainable development agenda. Whether in developing a vaccine, or building a climate research centre, or conserving threatened wildlife in a world heritage site, we must continue to leverage scientific expertise and apply concrete indicators for measuring our progress that better orient our decision-making.
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to this academic course on science diplomacy. Gathered here today among you are researchers, professors, and policy advisors. You are not just scientists and representatives of your respective nations. You are also custodians of a living planet that depends on our collective wisdom and action.
Today you become part of a rich tradition of using science collaboratively to solve global challenges, enhance international relationships, and cross borders with universal principles to create a better world for all.
I commend you for your dedication to this cause and wish you an illuminating course ahead!
Thank you.