With the the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP17) to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which began in Johannesburg on Saturday, Tsogo Sun’s Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) is prepared to welcome approximately 2 000 delegates from 180 countries, as well as non-governmental organisations and civil society.
CITES CoP17 takes place from 24 September to 5 October and is the first time that a CITES Conference of Parties meeting will be held in Johannesburg. It will be the fourth CITES CoP meeting held in Africa since 1975, but the first on the continent since 2000.
Delegates will engage in dynamic debate on issues related to the conservation and protection of plant and animal species for future generations, including rhinoceros and elephant, according to CITES.
CITES regulates international trade in over 35 000 species of plants and animals, including their products and derivatives, ensuring their survival in the wild with benefits for the livelihoods of local people and the global environment. The CITES permit system aims to ensure that international trade in listed species is sustainable, legal and traceable.
The organisation of CITES CoP17 is being coordinated by the Department of Environmental Affairs in cooperation with various government departments and a local organising committee.
“We are delighted to be welcoming the CoP17 delegates from around the world for discussions that are likely to have a significant impact on future generations,” says General Manager of SCC Shaun Bird. The entire building will be in use for this huge international event, which incorporates a major conference and separate meetings for the full 10 days. The SCC will provide the full range of facilities, including food & beverage and technological and audio/visual services.
For more information on SCC, log on to www.saconvention.co.za
- Photo courtesy of Walter Knirr and the City of Joburg
