Hawksbill turtles in CITES

At the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP11), Cuba put forward a proposal (Prop. 11.40) to transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II certain parts of the Caribbean population of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) inhabiting Cuban waters. This proposal was rejected, but it was suggested that a regional wide Caribbean meeting be held to strengthen regional cooperation on the Hawksbill Turtle issue. After CoP11, the Secretariat was asked formally by Costa Rica, contingent on the availability of funds, to convene a technical workshop of Caribbean Hawksbill Turtle range States and territories to be held within 12 months of CoP11. Other Parties also contacted the Secretariat, supporting the idea of a range State regional meeting, but suggesting different procedures and objectives.

Faced with these various suggestions, the Secretariat proposed that two wider Caribbean Hawksbill Turtle range State dialogue meetings (similar to the very successful African Elephant dialogues) be held before CoP12, to discuss and, if possible, reach consensus on possible utilization of this species under CITES regulation.

Dialogue meetings are held in a 'neutral' venue and the hosting country provides the neutral chairmanship. The meetings elect Vice Chairmen who work with the Chairman, the Secretariat and IUCN to prepare a final communiqué. However, it is important to emphasize that the CITES dialogue meetings are organized by the range States and in that context, the Secretariat and IUCN, its partner in this programme, are there simply to assist and facilitate the process. The Secretariat proposes a draft agenda, and seeks input from the range States. Once agreed, the Secretariat coordinates the preparation of discussion documents around the various agenda topics.

The first dialogue meeting on hawksbill turtles was held in Mexico from 15 to 17 May 2001 and the second one in the Cayman Islands from 21 to 23 May 2002.

To find more information on this programme, click here.