Free Trade

In our modern economy, money trumps environmental responsibility. In order to change this, the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) takes place every few years. The purpose is to take endangered species and place them on lists that prevent the trade of these animals. This year, the meeting in Doha failed to make substantial changes to animal trade. Because there were so many purposed animals, countries sent their top negotiators to make sure their economies were not effected. Japan turned out 30 strong to battle the conservationists. For example, 80% of blue fin tuna is consumed in Japan. Because of this, Japan made sure that blue fin tuna, although endangered, was kept off the no trade list. The European Union was also responsible for blocking legislation. Sharks were also kept off the most protected list. CITES kept a ban on elephant trading in Africa, but other than that, it was not a productive convention. Hopefully by their next meeting in 2013, they will be able to put their economic greed aside and take a stand on animal trade.

http://www.economist.com/science-technology/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15767253