1.1 Introduction to CITES and Non-Detriment Findings

I. Introduction to CITES and Non-Detriment Findings

This course was developed to assist officials in fulfilling more effectively the obligations under the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). On completion of this course, you should have a basic understanding of the obligations under the Convention and its procedures. This course also offers an introduction to what is usually called a non-detriment finding (NDF). Many researchers and observers of the Convention have called NDFs the heart of CITES and one of its very unique characteristics.

A number of training materials developed exclusively for use by Parties and its CITES Community are available in the training section of this course. We encourage you to make use of these materials to train officials and to increase awareness of CITES.

Questions concerning this course should be sent to the CITES knowledge Management and Outreach team. We also welcome you to contact directly staff of the Knowledge Management and Outreach team, Mr. Marcos Regis Silva (marcos.silva@cites.org) should you have any specific questions or suggestions for improvement.