Bangkok Meeting Fails To Strengthen Protection For Polar Bears: C I T E S

[webfact]

CITES
Bangkok meeting fails to strengthen protection for polar bears
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- CITES's Bangkok meeting on Thursday rejected a US proposal to issue polar bears as a species that may become extinction without trade controls.

The US proposed the bears be moved from CITES's Appendix I; species threatened with extinction and provides the greatest level of protect including restriction on commercial trade, to Appendix II; species that, although currently not threatened with extinction, may become so without trade control.

The proposal was opposed by Canada, Greenland, and Norway, all of which are range states for polar bears. The final tally for the vote was 38 support, 42 against, and 46 abstentions, according to CITES's press statement.

"We are obviously disappointed that the CITES membership failed to give greater protection to polar bears by limiting permissible trade in polar bear pelts and other body parts," said Deputy Secretary of the Interior David J. Hayes. "We will continue to work with our partners to reduce the pressure that trade in polar bear parts puts on this iconic arctic species, even as we take on the longer term threat that climate change poses to polar bears."

"As polar bear hide prices have skyrocketed, more bears are being offered at auction, and hunting levels have increased," said Dan Ashe, head of the US delegation. "A CITES AppendixI listing would have ensured that commercial trade would not compound the threats of habitat loss that are facing this species."

In preparation for the CITES Conference, the United States engaged with a number of member nations to CITES, referred to as "Parties," to garner support for the polar bear proposal. "We reached out to our CITES counterparts in many other nations to show that the science supported an AppendixI listing. Unfortunately, politics seem to have overtaken science," said Ashe.

According to the National Snow & Ice Data Center findings, Arctic sea ice extent reached its lowest point this year, placing September 2012 as the lowest sea ice extent since 1979, both for the daily minimum extent and the monthly average. This "real life" figure is far lower than any of the scientific models predicted. The Polar Bear Specialist Group reports that 15 of 19 subpopulations are declining or data deficient.

Limiting commercial trade in this species would have addressed a source of nonclimate stress to polar bear populations and contributed to longterm recovery. Each year, an average of 3,200 items made from polar bears - including skins, claws, and teeth - are reported to be exported or reexported from range countries. Polar bear hides sell for an average of $2,000 to $5,000, while maximum hide prices have topped $12,000.

In recognition of the importance of a subsistence harvest of polar bears for Alaska Natives, the US proposal would not have affected the subsistence harvest of this species by Alaska Natives or the creation of handicrafts using parts of this species.


-- The Nation 2013-03-07

[laurentbkk]

what a shame for Thailand , I am not surprise as it is the HUB for illegal animals trades , ivory trade etc ..... at least a successful hub

[chainarong]

Well despite cultural reasons , I would have thought in this day n age we would be mature in our outlook, Japan isn't the only bunch of arsoles on this planet

Edited March 7, 2013 by chainarong

[SABloke]

The grammertisation being of the introdukshin is apawling

[GentlemanJim]

Save the Polar Bear says Thailand but dont stop us killing Manta Rays and Elephants.

Don't you think it disgraceful that when the worlds nations get together and can actually do something, that 46 nations abstain from voting !!! 38 for, 42 against and 46 abstentions! <deleted> are they doing at the conference. They should bring in a new law that abstentions are no longer permitted. Grow some balls or get off the world stage.

[JetsetBkk]

How about a new appendix - "CITES Appendix III: The Protection of Human Beings In Bus Queues from Stupid Rich Thai Kids"?

[rubl]

Alaska for, Canada, Greenland, Norway against.

What about Russia (and maybe Finland?), the other country with Polar Bears?

Edited March 7, 2013 by rubl

[impulse]

"In recognition of the importance of a subsistence harvest of polar bears for Alaska Natives, the US proposal would not have affected the subsistence harvest of this species by Alaska Natives or the creation of handicrafts using parts of this species."

I'm all for allowing subsistence hunting based on history and culture. But make it with traditional harpoons, dog sleds and human powered kayaks. Watching documentaries showing native Americans heading off on their shiny snowmobiles and power boats toting high caliber scoped rifles doesn't bring to mind subsistence hunting- of polar bears, whales or any other critter that's off limits to everyone else. BTW, I don't hunt, nor am I against hunting.

[Payboy]

CITESBangkok meeting fails to strengthen protection for polar bears

I guess they're stuffed now.

[rubl]

CITESBangkok meeting fails to strengthen protection for polar bears

I guess they're stuffed now.

I'm sure that our PM will promise to give the Thai Polar Bears the same level of thought and protection as the Thai Elephants. No doubt she already told her cabinet to look it to this

[DP25]

Alaska for, Canada, Greenland, Norway against.

What about Russia (and maybe Finland?), the other country with Polar Bears?

According to another article Russia was strongly in favor of the ban. Canada, Norway, and Denmark (they own Greenland) led the fight against it.

Russia really wanted this because apparently the situation with legal polar bear trade in Canada creates a similar situation to elephants in Thailand. Polar bears are illegally poached in Russia and then smuggled in to Canada for sale.

Edited March 7, 2013 by DP25

[overherebc]

"In recognition of the importance of a subsistence harvest of polar bears for Alaska Natives, the US proposal would not have affected the subsistence harvest of this species by Alaska Natives or the creation of handicrafts using parts of this species."

I'm all for allowing subsistence hunting based on history and culture. But make it with traditional harpoons, dog sleds and human powered kayaks. Watching documentaries showing native Americans heading off on their shiny snowmobiles and power boats toting high caliber scoped rifles doesn't bring to mind subsistence hunting- of polar bears, whales or any other critter that's off limits to everyone else. BTW, I don't hunt, nor am I against hunting.

Why do you feel it's ok to hunt anything.?

[Skywalker69]

Alaska for, Canada, Greenland, Norway against.

What about Russia (and maybe Finland?), the other country with Polar Bears?

Finland don´t have polar bears But Svalbard have.

[GentlemanJim]

"In recognition of the importance of a subsistence harvest of polar bears for Alaska Natives, the US proposal would not have affected the subsistence harvest of this species by Alaska Natives or the creation of handicrafts using parts of this species."

I'm all for allowing subsistence hunting based on history and culture. But make it with traditional harpoons, dog sleds and human powered kayaks. Watching documentaries showing native Americans heading off on their shiny snowmobiles and power boats toting high caliber scoped rifles doesn't bring to mind subsistence hunting- of polar bears, whales or any other critter that's off limits to everyone else. BTW, I don't hunt, nor am I against hunting.

Why do you feel it's ok to hunt anything.?

Well, it is a known fact that when there are too many of any animal, disease spreads and issues arise concerning food. Herds of deer must be properly managed, or entire herds can be wiped out by sickness. Responsible hunting is good for the health of the herd. Polar bears are reaching almost endemic levels since they became protected, and they need properly managed and calculated culling. Incidentally for 'Impulse', it is far better for the animal to have a bullet to the head than a harpoon to the thigh, then one in the back, then one in the chest etc etc.

Man has always hunted, primarily for food, and the only reason you do not have to hunt is because an entire industry ensures you can buy your meat in polystyrene trays in the supermarket, without all the ugly killing and blood bits beforehand. the Polar bear being hunted has some chance and has some life, not so the cow that gave up the 16oz ribeye you throw on the BBQ. Just like the sheep, the chickens, the pigs, all bred in captivity for one purpose only.

[impulse]

"In recognition of the importance of a subsistence harvest of polar bears for Alaska Natives, the US proposal would not have affected the subsistence harvest of this species by Alaska Natives or the creation of handicrafts using parts of this species."

I'm all for allowing subsistence hunting based on history and culture. But make it with traditional harpoons, dog sleds and human powered kayaks. Watching documentaries showing native Americans heading off on their shiny snowmobiles and power boats toting high caliber scoped rifles doesn't bring to mind subsistence hunting- of polar bears, whales or any other critter that's off limits to everyone else. BTW, I don't hunt, nor am I against hunting.

Why do you feel it's ok to hunt anything.?

Because I luvs me a good burger, and prime rib- oh and chicken enchiladas and...and...and... It would be rather hypocritical to be anti hunting. I don't do it, but it's legal and historically and culturally accepted and I have no right to force my beliefs on others.

And as GentlemanJim has pointed out, population numbers of many critters do need to be managed since we have killed off most of the natural predators that would keep the numbers in check.

I agree with most of what he said, and I know polar bears don't think like this. But if you gave me the choice of being hunted with a high powered rifle and a snowmobile, or a harpoon and a dogsled, I think my overall chances would be much better against the slow guy with the spear. I'd take my chances with the additional pain and suffering against the higher odds of escaping the dogsled.

Edited March 7, 2013 by impulse

[webfact]

UPDATE
Polar bears lose, but Thai rosewood likely winner at CITES summit
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Polar bears have failed to receive the protection of CITES, the world's biggest wildlife and plant summit, meeting in Thailand.

But it is highly likely Thailand will get the organisation's support to protect the Siamese rosewood, which is now vulnerable and threatened with extinction.

A proposal to transfer polar bears from Appendix II to Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was defeated yesterday by member nations of the treaty.

The proposal, submitted for consideration by the United States, garnered intense debate primarily due to opposition from Canada, Greenland, and Norway, all of which are range states for polar bears. The final tally for the vote was 38 for, 42 against, and 46 abstentions.

"We are obviously disappointed the CITES' membership failed to give greater protection to polar bears by limiting permissible trade in polar bear pelts and other body parts," said US Deputy Secretary of the Interior, David J Hayes.

"We will continue to work with our partners to reduce the pressure that trade in polar bear parts puts on this iconic Arctic species, even as we take on the longer-term threat that climate change poses to polar bears."

Terry Audla, a representative of Canada’s indigenous Inuit people who live in the Arctic region, said they were happy the CITES delegates did not approve the adoption as a ban would affect their livelihood that relies on polar bear subsistence hunting.

Representatives from the Agricultural Department and National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department next Monday will submit Thailand's proposal to list the Siamese rosewood on CITES' Appendix II.

The proposal will be presented to the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP 16) to CITES being held until March 14 in Bangkok.

Under Appendix II, Siamese rosewood would be allowed for legal harvesting and international trade, but with certain limitations.

"We have the support of several representatives from the 150 countries attending this meeting and we really have [a strong likelihood of getting] the majority vote for our proposal," said Surawit Wannakrairoj, a science official of the Agricultural Department.

Surawit will be a Thai representative trying to convince delegates at the Committee II meeting. Thailand needs a two-thirds majority vote to get the adoption.

He was speaking after a side event meeting attended by representatives from 23 countries likely to support Thailand’s proposal, including the European Union, Germany, Vietnam, and Madagascar.

However, some countries want to make sure Thailand has the correct identification guidelines to classify the wood as this kind of timber is very similar to others. Some want Thailand to issue export licences for Siamese rosewood traders if it gets the CITES' support. They also want to ensure Thailand has enough Siamese rosewood for such trading.

"We are really supportive of Thailand's listing of the Siamese rosewood in the Appendix II and we also hope that Thailand will support us with our proposal," said Tiana Ramahaleo, conservation science and species programme coordinator of the Madagascar-based World Wildlife Fund.

Madagascar has also submitted two proposals, including one asking for the protection of its timber.

Siamese rosewood or Tracewood is considered a first-class prime timber due to its colour, hardness, durability, easiness to work and resistance to insects,including termites. The wood is fine in texture and heavy and has recently become one of the most expensive in the world.

Due to its vulnerability to extinction from over-exploitation of local forests, Siamese rosewood has become rare and the species is disappearing from most of its natural habitat. It was estimated that the country had 300,000 natural stands in 2005, but by 2011 this figure had been greatly reduced to just 80,000 - 100,000 trees.

"The adoption from CITES will help us to pave the way for sustainable management of Siamese rosewood," National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Department’s deputy director-general Theerapat Prayurasiddhi said.

In a related development, the Republic of Congo's Minister of Forest Economy and Sustainable Development, Henri Djombo, asked Thailand to return all confiscated ivory that had been illegally imported into Thailand.


-- The Nation 2013-03-08

[Locationthailand]

How about a new appendix - "CITES Appendix III: The Protection of Human Beings In Bus Queues from Stupid Rich Thai Kids"?

... Stressed ... stupid rich Thai kids.

[Locationthailand]

I really think to kill animals for 'pelts' is simply insanity with the amount of fabric and options available. Polar bears are pretty gnarly towards humans but they are beautiful animals, they survive in their environment and they are a natural balance with the environment. This whole CITES conference is a farce with WWF doing its level best to get some things passed. I guess it has to be put to a vote for common sense amongst us supposedly intelligent humans for animals to prevail.

[asupeartea]

The grammertisation being of the introdukshin is apawling

For mine is welly understooding. Me has teachered in Thai schools and not be surpriseded.

[asupeartea]

The grammertisation being of the introdukshin is apawling

Me is teacheringed in Thai school and NOT be supriseded.

[asupeartea]

Just think that all of those polar bears in downtown Bangkok aren't protected. .... Oh, sorry. Those are chicks with bleached hair.

[rubl]

Poor polar bears. For the record, we Dutch like polar bears and only kill some for local consumption.

You may believe me on this. We always did respect polar bears for their life saving flesh, fat, skin and so on. The movie 'Nova Zembla" describes the last journey of Willem Barentsz and Jacob van Heemskerk through 1596-1597 when they and their crew tried to discover the North East passage to the Indies. The movie starts with the crew killing a polar bear. I can only hope the movie was shown at the CITES forum.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nova_Zembla_(film)