Secretary-General's statements

Wildlife-based tourism is growing rapidly worldwide as the number of tourists continues to grow and as we, as travellers, seek out new and more enriching personal experiences with local cultures and wildlife. 

John Scanlon says bold action by countries like China are a major blow to elephant poachers and ivory smugglers, but the world needs to do more to tackle both supply and demand. International media and the wildlife conservation community hailed China’s announcement last year that it would close down its domestic ivory market. Some described it as a game-changer and a huge blow to elephant poachers and smugglers of ivory.

  ‘Our Oceans, Our Future’ Statement by John Scanlon, CITES Secretary-General   CITES is globally associated with elephants, tigers and rhinos – but CITES also has a long history of regulating international trade in many marine species to help ensure their survival in the wild, including clams, corals, dolphins, marine turtles, sea horses, the queen conch and whales.

  High Level Event on Illegal Wildlife Trade  German House, UN Plaza, New York  Statement by John E Scanlon, Secretary-General, CITES  6 June 2017   His Excellency, Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon His Excellency, Günther Adler, State Secretary to the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety Ambassadors Distinguished Guests Friends and Colleagues ——-

‘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.