guiding international and national policy
TRAFFIC was founded in 1976 following the launch of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Our original remit concerned monitoring international wildlife trade and submitting our findings to inform decisions made by CITES Parties. Although our work has expanded substantially since then, guiding wildlife trade policy at the national and international level remains a core focus of how we work to bring about positive and lasting change for wildlife.
a selection of key projects working to influence wildlife trade policy
Supporting CITES
CITES is the main international agreement that controls international trade in wild animals and plants.
Advising and supporting the enforcement of CITES has been an ongoing priority for TRAFFIC since our formation. We supply trade information and expert analysis to the decision-making process at CITES to ensure that international trade in wildlife remains at sustainable levels.
Elephant Trade and Information System
The Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) is the CITES-mandated tool managed by TRAFFIC that tracks illegal trade in elephant ivory and other elephant products.
Over 70,000 records exist in the database, allowing us to analyse complex ivory trade trends and submit detailed recommendations to CITES Parties on international ivory policy.
Responsible Asia Forestry and Trade
The Responsible Asia Forestry and Trade (RAFT) project is a collaborative approach towards sustainable forest management and timber trade.
RAFT is a partnership of seven leading organisations, working together to build the capacity of governments, enforcement agencies, businesses, and communities in Asia Pacific to practice legal and sustainable forest management and trade, and counter the devastating effects of illegal logging and timber laundering.
Convention on Biological Diversity
The promotion of international co-operation, providing advice and recommendations, along with action at the national level are among TRAFFIC’s top priorities to address wildlife trade issues.
These priorities cut across all parts of our conservation programme and align closely with the aims of international Conventions such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
