Introduction by Will Travers - President of SSN:

"Mr. Secretary General, representatives of the Government of The Netherlands, the CITES Secretariat, Party delegates, friends and colleagues,

It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the Species Survival Network Reception here at the Omniversum IMAX Theatre as part of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES.  On your behalf, please allow me to thank the staff here at the theatre, particularly Anine van den Hurk, who has been tremendously gracious and accommodating over the past few months as we prepared tonight’s event.

And the wine for this event is a special New Zealand wine that was kindly donated to SSN by the Dutch wine distributor, Adventure Wine Trading and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

Friends, CITES is a challenge to us all. Its importance cannot be understated. Notwithstanding the civilized, professional disagreements we will have on some issues, we surely can agree on one thing—our intention, in fact our duty, must be to ensure that the decisions taken here are in the best interests of wildlife conservation. You, ladies and gentlemen, have the awesome responsibility to guarantee the very survival of plant and animal species—YOU have the power to ensure that species will not disappear from the planet. Awesome responsibility indeed.

There has already been much discussion at this meeting about people and wildlife— about human “livelihoods.”  Striking the right balance is essential.

We must not let our desire for human profit lead to a deficit in the natural world. The loss of wild species is the loss of life.  Animals and plants gone. Oceans and forests emptied. Homes and livelihoods lost.

When CITES works for wildlife, CITES also works for people. Regulating trade under Appendix 2 not only delivers benefits to the species concerned but also delivers long-term benefits to humans by ensuring the sustainability of their legitimate wildlife-related activities. Halting commercial trade under Appendix 1 can also deliver benefits by clamping down on illegal activities, improving security in what can often be demanding and dangerous environments, and establishing the possibility that following sufficient recovery in numbers or mitigation of extensive threat, regulated trade may be re-established once more.

Many SSN groups have programs to protect people and wildlife—to give people the tools to enforce wildlife laws and an opportunity to learn about the wildlife around them. Real conservation protects wildlife, while bringing tangible benefits to local communities and national economies.  The cumulative beneficial impact of our work runs into the many millions of dollars every year. Together, our work contributes substantially to the fulfillment of many of the Millennium Development Goals.

Friends, this evening is a coming together, a celebration of our common endeavour, an opportunity to build mutual trust and improve our mutual understanding…it is also a chance to transport ourselves to Africa and, for a short while, go on a wild safari.

Tonight, after our short remarks, we will offer you three complimentary showings of the magnificent film, "Wild Safari" here in the IMAX theatre. The first show will be at 7 o’clock, seating is on a first come first served basis for each show, and we will be able to accommodate 300 people in the theatre at a time. A second showing will take place at 8 o'clock. Refreshments will be served out here throughout the reception or until the well runs dry.

But first, as is customary, this evening is also a chance to recognise the supreme efforts of wildlife law enforcement officers. We are delighted to have with us the Secretary General of CITES who has kindly agreed to share a few words and then present the Clark R. Bavin Awards, sponsored by the Animal Welfare Institute, a member of the SSN.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please give your undivided attention to the Secretary General of CITES."

View photos of the SSN Reception

Read about the 2007 Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Awards

For more information contact:

Adam M. Roberts, Press Officer,
In The Hague: 06-5213 6798
Globally: 1-202-445-3572
E-mail: press@ssn.org

WORLD FORUM CONVENTION CENTRE
10, Churchillplein NL-2508 THE HAGUE