Coordination of State Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Authority to Manage Wildlife Resources in Concert with Federal Actions Required by International Treaties, Conventions, Partnerships, and Initiatives
Strategic Priority
AFWA Priorities Identified in AFWA Funding Principles (submitted by ExCom) - CITES and International Conservation Programs and Their Impact on State Agencies
Project Documents
No project documents available.
Project Description
| Decisions made in international fora, such as the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), can positively and negatively affect the management authority or practices of state, provincial, and territorial fish and wildlife agencies. However, it is not realistic nor economically viable for all state fish and wildlife agencies (states) to participate in CITES, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), or other international fora. At the same time, U.S. federal agencies, foreign governments, and NGOs are at the table and have input in decisions. Therefore in 1994, the CITES Technical Work Group (Work Group) was created. It includes a member from each state regional association and AFWA. The Work Group has been highly effective in supporting the state’s (and, where appropriate, Canadian Provinces and Territories) ability to manage and conserve wildlife and in influencing decisions through science-based positions that encourage the sustainable use of wildlife. Without the Work Group, the states do not have a voice in decisions, nor can they bring science-based, on-the-ground expertise to help guide decisions. Considering the recent pandemic and its spotlight on fish and wildlife use and consumption and One Health, having a voice in international fora is even more critical. The goal of the Work Group is to ensure that positions are presented in international fora that support sustainable use and the conservation and management of native species, utilize the best available science, and support state management authority, and that the states and the U.S. government collaborate on international conservation issues. Additionally, the Work Group coordinates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure that the states' processes for implementing treaty decisions are practical. To accomplish this, the Work Group must participate in CITES and IUCN meetings and work closely with the USFWS and other federal agencies. This grant will allow the Work Group to ensure that the state’s ability to manage wildlife is not negatively impacted by actions taken at CITES, IUCN or other fora, and where appropriate, the Work Group will support Canadian Provinces and Territories. The Work Group will also serve as the state contact point for the USFWS and other federal agencies, providing an efficient way for the U.S. government to implement its international obligations cooperatively. The impact of grant outcomes continues beyond the life of this grant by impacting fish and wildlife conservation and management. |
Project Facts
- Organization Name: Association of Fish And Wildlife Agencies
- Organization Status: NGO classified as 501(c)(6)
- State: Washington, DC
- Obligation: $156,404
- Start Date: 01-01-2024
- End Date: 12-31-2024
