Secretary-General's statements

‘I’m with nature’ Statement by John Scanlon, CITES Secretary-General   We share our planet with millions of species of wild animals and plants. They keep us alive by providing us with fresh air, clean water and healthy soils, they are used every day to make medicine, food and furniture and they support cultural, recreational and tourism pursuits. While wildlife keeps all of us alive, its future is squarely in our hands. We alone will determine the fate of the world’s wildlife and in doing so our own destiny.

Tabua- the polished tooth of a sperm whale - holding deep cultural significance as gifts in Fiji, often passed down through generations. Ceremony to mark the repatriation of 146 seized Tabua from New Zealand to Fiji Nadi, Fiji, 29 May 2017 Statement by John E. Scanlon, Secretary-General CITES   His Excellency the Hon. Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Rear Admiral J.V. Bainimarama Honourable Ministers, Ambassadors and High Commissioners Distinguished guests Friends and colleagues -----

Destruction of Confiscated and Other Wildlife Parts Chitwan National Park, Nepal, 22 May, 2017 International Day for Biodiversity Statement by Mr John E. Scanlon, Secretary-General of CITES   Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Ministers and State Ministers, Government of Nepal,   Representatives of national and international organizations, Local community and local political representatives, Ladies and gentlemen, friends and colleagues. ——-

 ‘Transforming our World’ World Travel and Tourism Council’s 17th Global Summit Bangkok, Thailand 26-27 April 2017 ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ Keynote Address by John E. Scanlon, CITES Secretary-General   We share our planet with millions of species of wild animals and plants. They keep us alive through making fresh air, clean water and healthy soils, they are used every day to make medicine, food and furniture and they support cultural, recreational and tourism pursuits.

Inception Workshop Brasilia, Brazil, 25 to 26 April 2017 Remarks by John E. Scanlon, CITES Secretary-General   Secretary General, Ambassador María Jacqueline Mendoza Ortega Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, colleagues I would like to express my deep gratitude to you for extending an invitation to the CITES Secretariat to address this important meeting. CITES regulates international trade in over 36,000 species of animals and plants, both terrestrial and aquatic, including all parts and derivatives.

CITES Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles Task Force Singapore, 25-27 April 2017 Welcome remarks by John E. Scanlon, CITES Secretary-General Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Tan Poh Hong, Senior CITES Specialist, Mr. Bruce Weissgold, Distinguished guests, friends and colleagues from CITES Parties and international organizations, Good morning to you all and welcome to this very important, and timely, CITES Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles Task Force meeting!

The 3rd Regional Dialogue on Preventing Illegal Logging and Trading of Siamese Rosewood Bangkok, Thailand 29-31 March 2017 John E. Scanlon, CITES Secretary-General   General Surasak Kanjanarat, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr.Wijarn Simachaya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Briefing on Fisheries Regulatory Framework at the Multilateral Level Palais des Nations, Geneva 20 March 2017 The Role of CITES in the Fisheries Regulatory Framework at the Multilateral Level John E. Scanlon, Secretary-General, CITES Thank you Chair. Distinguished Panelists Exellencies, colleagues Firstly, let me express our deep gratitude to UNCTAD, with FAO, for organizing today’s event and for extending an invitation to CITES. ----- What is CITES