How can I contribute information or ideas for CITES CoP17?

We’re committed to conducting an open and transparent process as we prepare for CoP17 that considers the interests of the public, stakeholders, other federal agencies, and Congress.  We will publish a series of Federal Register notices to solicit public input on the development of U.S. proposals, documents, and negotiating positions for CoP17. This process helps us to develop robust proposals and positions by taking into account a wide variety of views and anticipating potential implementation and enforcement challenges. To learn more about this process, read our Preparing for the 17th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES factsheet.

There are lots of ways to stay up to date on U.S. preparations for CoP17! Bookmark this page, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our email list.

How can I become an observer for CITES CoP17?

Organizations, including non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and industry associations, wishing to attend CoP17, must register and receive approval to attend the meeting.  All organizations seeking to attend CoP17 as observers must register with the CITES Secretariat no later than August 10, 2016.

U.S.- based organizations wishing to attend CoP17 must receive advance approval from the Division of Management Authority, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 2, paragraph 2 b), of the Rules of Procedure.Organizations that did not register for the 15th or 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP15, Doha, 2010, and CoP16, Bangkok, 2013) must include the following in their request: 

1. Evidence of technical qualifications in protection, conservation, or management of wild fauna and flora, for both the organization and the individual representative(s)

2. A copy of the organization’s charter and bylaws

3. A list of representatives who plan to attend CoP17

4. Purpose for wishing to participate as an observer

U.S.-based organizations that did register for the 15th or 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP15, Doha, 2010, and CoP16, Bangkok, 2013) must include the following in their request: 

1. A list of representatives who plan to attend CoP17

Requests from U.S.-based organizations must be received by the Division of Management Authority no later than August 1, 2016, and may be submitted by mail, fax, or email:

Mailing Address:
5275 Leesburg Pike
MS: IA
Falls Church, VA 22041

Fax: 703-358-2298
Email: managementauthority@fws.gov