The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) has issued 12 stamps today featuring twelve endangered species of animals and plants found in Africa in honour of CITES CoP17, or the World Wildlife Conference, which kicked off in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 24 September and will end on 5th October 2016.
The World Wildlife Conference/ CITES brings the global community together to tackle the world’s biggest wildlife challenges and opportunities. The stamps commemorate CITES CoP17 with 12 species of CITES-listed animals and plants found in Africa, they include cape pangolin, lion, mountain gorilla, white rhinoceros, which are high on the agenda of the meeting.
“It is almost two decades since an African country has hosted a meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES. All eyes will be focussed on South Africa and on CITES over the coming two weeks as its 182 Parties (181 countries and the European Union) take critical decisions affecting the future of some of the world’s most precious wildlife. Since July, the UN General Assembly has adopted two resolutions on tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife. It is therefore highly appropriate that the UN Postal Administration issues these special stamps to raise awareness of wildlife conservation and to mark CITES CoP17.” Said CITES Secretary-General, Mr. John E. Scanlon
Africa is home to a rich diversity of wild animals and plants, including some of the world’s most esteemed species. But, the loss of habitat and poaching driven by illicit trafficking has reduced both fascinating species, like elephant and rhino, and lesser known ones, such as pangolins, in recent years.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between 182 Parties (181 countries and the EU). Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival
