Evaluation of the function of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Authorities in Tonga : fisheries case study

Abstract

Trabajo Fin de Máster Propio. Tutores: Sofie H. Flensborg ; ‘Elina K. Bloomfield. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) is important but knowing its existence and/or its role in endangered species conservation is still in the infancy of recent Parties in Oceania, including Tonga. This research used a fisheries case study to evaluate why Tonga failed to comply with and implement CITES. The study mainly used questionnaire surveys and interviewed expert personnel participants to collect and analyse data. The findings were supported by relevant literature articles available. With the Ministry of Fisheries as a national Management Authority and Scientific Authority for Tonga, the data collected was used to test the hypothesis of why Tonga failed to comply with and implement CITES through the Ministry of Fisheries. 20 participants in this survey, with 92% claiming to have CITES-based knowledge existed before Tonga became a Party to the Convention. The level of CITES-based knowledge is rated as moderate level. Based on the survey results, the level of CITES implementation in the fisheries sector is highly influenced by this knowledge because, primarily, the participants cannot link the knowledge to their work. The main findings include 60% of the participants claimed that having inadequate CITES domestic legislation leads to failure to comply with and implement CITES in Tonga. Furthermore, by evaluating the roles and functions of the Ministry of Fisheries as a MA and SA, it is found that the current implementation schemes overlap its functions hence influencing the CITES implementation. Also, a lack of capacity building and inefficient coordination and cooperation amongst CITES Authorities at the national level impact the implementation. The study recommends consistent follow-up to gazette Tonga's new CITES regulation; hence, any revision must ensure that the implementing agencies understand its context. This action would be the primary driver to initiate effective and practical implementation for CITES in Tonga and avoid being subject to compliance measures for lack of adequate legislation. Also, producing a CITES management plan to mainstream the implementation schemes linking the mandates of each CITES MA and SA in Tonga to allow effective and consistent monitoring of CITES at the national level. Finally, capacity building would strengthen CITES knowledge and encourage the implementing agencies to engage in more CITES implementation activities.