Secretary-General's statements

 On this International Women's Day, I am proud to stand alongside women worldwide who play a crucial role in the stewardship of our valuable wildlife. As the first woman to serve as Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, I am deeply inspired by the commitment and resilience of women in the field of natural resource conservation.Women are at the heart of conservation efforts, whether they are in scientific research, policymaking, training and education, or on-the-ground actions. Their perspectives and leadership are vital for fostering innovative solutions and ensuring the effective management of our natural resources. I acknowledge the remarkable achievement of women who are leading the key governing bodies of CITES, whose actions exemplify the critical role that women play in global environmental governance, fostering partnerships and working towards shared goals.

 78a reunión del Comité Permanente de la CITESDiscurso de clausura de la Secretaria General de la CITES, Ivonne Higuero8 de febrero de 2025, Ginebra, Suiza  © CITES Secretariat Excelencias,Distinguidos miembros del Comité Permanente,  Partes y observadores,Señoras y Señores,Gracias sinceramente a todos por la colaboración y el respeto demostrados a lo largo de estos debates.  

 Excelencias,Distinguidos miembros del Comité Permanente, Partes y observadores,Señoras y señores,Bienvenidos a Ginebra para participar en la 78ª reunión del Comité Permanente de la CITES. Su presencia aquí es un testamento de su compromiso compartido para asegurar un futuro sostenible para nuestra vida silvestre global. Caluroso agradecimiento a Suiza por su generoso apoyo que ha hecho posible que nos reunamos en el CICG.  Y, en nombre de la Secretaría, cúmpleme dar la calurosa bienvenida a nuestra Presidenta del SC, Sra. Rosemarie Gnam. Su liderazgo ha sido inestimable y esperamos con interés  emprender las importantes deliberaciones con usted.

Wetlands are nature’s lifelines—vibrant ecosystems that connect land and water and support an incredible array of wild species.  This underlines the importance of the Convention on Wetlands. Forty percent of all known plant and animal species rely on wetlands for their survival.Many of these species like the Siberian crane, the African manatee, and the Gharial crocodile are covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, which ensures that international trade in these species does not impact their existence in the wild. 

 Foro Internacional sobre la Lucha contra el Blanqueo de Dinero y la Delincuencia Organizada Transnacional: Redes delictivas, dinámicas comerciales y otras cuestiones Discurso de apertura de la Secretaria General de la CITES Ivonne Higuero 10 de diciembre de 2024, Hong Kong RAE, China Excelencias,  Distinguidos delegados,Invitados y participantes,Señoras y Señores,

 CBD CoP16 Trade DayKeynote Address by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero26 October 2024, Cali, Colombia  Photos by IISD/ENB | Angeles Estrada Vigil Esteemed colleagues and participants,

 CBD CoP16 Biodiversity Law & Governance Day 2024: Opening Plenary Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in International Treaty RegimesRemarks by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero26 October 2024, Cali, Colombia Esteemed colleagues and participants,

 CBD CoP16 Forest and Water DayRemarks by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero25 October 2024, Cali, Colombia  © CITES Secretariat Esteemed participants,