Estimating the Extent of CITES Noncompliance among Traders and End‐Consumers; Lessons from the Global Orchid Trade

Amy Hinsley,Ana Nuno,David L Roberts,Martin Ridout,Freya A.V St John

doi:10.1111/conl.12316

Abstract

AbstractThe Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) regulates trade in over 35,000 species, over 70% of which are orchids. To investigate rule‐breaking behavior among traders and buyers in a specific international wildlife trading community, we used direct questions (DQs) and the unmatched count technique (UCT) to survey the orchid growing community about CITES compliance and their knowledge and opinions of the rules. In DQ, 9.9% had smuggled, 4.8% had laundered, and 10.8% had been sent orchids from online purchases without paperwork; UCT estimates did not differ significantly. Growers with greater knowledge of CITES rules were more likely to break them, and there were widespread negative views of CITES among respondents. We recommend targeted enforcement focusing on both online trade and at the point of import, coupled with efforts to encourage traders and end‐consumers to engage with discussions on CITES rule implementation

Highlights

The international wildlife trade is a lucrative market involving thousands of species
A better understanding of conservation rule-breaking and illegal activity is an important step toward encouraging compliance (Solomon et al 2015), and improving knowledge on noncompliance has been noted as a priority to strengthen CITES (Phelps et al 2010)
To identify potential drivers of noncompliance and provide recommendations for policy implementation, we present the first study of CITES noncompliance among traders and buyers in a specific international

Summary

Introduction

The international wildlife trade is a lucrative market involving thousands of species. National and international policy may prohibit the trade in certain species, set export quotas, or restrict the source of wildlife permitted in trade. The primary international wildlife trade legislation is the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), which regulates trade in over 35,000 species (CITES 2013). Species are listed by governments when trade poses a direct threat or adds pressure to vulnerable wild populations, or as a “lookalike” of a listed species, to aid enforcement of the Convention (CITES 2013). While CITES and corresponding national legislation can successfully control trade (Doukakis et al 2012), the continued illicit trade in many listed species has called into question its effectiveness (Challender & MacMillan 2014). Social desirability and threat of prosecution can make people unwilling to discuss their involvement in noncompliance

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Conclusion