CITES CoP18 Held in Geneva
A Focus on Halting the Endangered Species Trade
CITES CoP18 ended recently, as nations from around the world met in Geneva to discuss and act on steps to put a stop to the trade of vulnerable and endangered species. CITES, which is a World Wildlife Conference, is held every three years; it tries to find the balance between permitting international trade in some species (if it does not affect their numbers) and banning the trade of others.
Covering everything from amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals to trees and other flora, CITES CoP18 had an agenda that featured 56 proposals to change; most of these focused on increasing the level of protection for species. Amongst the species on the list were rays which can be found in countries such as the Maldives where conservation efforts are already underway at properties like Reethi Faru Resort; conducted in partnership with the Manta Trust, the Manta ID Project gives guests a chance to also join this initiative while staying at this eco-resort Maldives has to offer.