Abstract:

Background: The complexity of global environmental issues demands higher standards for collaborative governance under international conventions. 

Methods: This paper briefly outlines biodiversity-related international conventions and their current collaborative status, focusing on synergies and cooperation between the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other biodiversity-related international conventions and organizations, as well as CITES’ potential contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), analyzes the current situation and proposes development recommendations. 

Results: Currently, China has not ratified its accession to certain biodiversity-related international conventions. While biodiversity-related conventions have established mechanisms at the secretariat level with positive outcomes, coordination at the national level remains limited and urgently requires enhancement. CITES has established a cooperative network covering enforcement, timber species, marine species, assessment, and data management through signing memoranda of understanding, adopting specialized resolutions, participating in international alliances, and delegating tasks, thereby enhancing compliance effectiveness. The CITES Strategic Vision (2021–2030) and its implementation practices—such as Non-detriment Findings (NDFs) and Appendix species management—directly contribute to multiple objectives of the KMGBF. 

Recommendations: It is recommended to establish a cross-ministerial coordination mechanism and an expert committee for compliance at the national level. This would enhance communication and data sharing, develop compliance plans for cross-cutting issues, and monitor developments under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) to strengthen protection for migratory species. CITES plays a pivotal role in supporting the KMGBF and global biodiversity conservation through its rigorous enforcement mechanisms and international cooperation. Future efforts should promote deeper synergies among multiple conventions by integrating issues, pooling resources, and strengthening capacity building. This can be achieved through establishing interdepartmental working groups, sharing data platforms, and conducting joint training programs.

Key words: CITES, biodiversity-related multilateral convention, synergy, cooperation, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework