FACE attended the 34^th meeting of the CITES Animals Committee (AC34) in Geneva, Switzerland, where government experts and observer organisations met to take forward the scientific and technical work of CITES, the global convention governing international trade in wild animals and plants.

This was the first meeting of the Animals Committee since CoP20, the Convention’s main decision-making conference, and much of the agenda was about setting the direction for the period ahead. Delegates looked at which species and countries should be examined more closely where trade may be a concern (Review of Significant Trade, RST), and at how countries should assess whether exports of a given species are sustainable before authorising them (known as Non-Detriment Findings), alongside a range of other scientific and technical questions.

FACE took part alongside its international partners, including the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), Safari Club International (SCI) and Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF). The meeting closed with a joint session of the Animals and Plants Committees on priorities common to both. FACE will continue to engage in CITES to promote conservation based on sound science and the principle of sustainable use.

Why does this matter to hunters? For hunters, CITES sets the international rules governing the import and export of hunting trophies. But its influence goes further: it is one of the main international agreements shaping the global conservation agenda, setting out shared principles and providing a framework for countries to work together.

• For more information about FACE’s work on CITES and other international agreements click here