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Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines for the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

The Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines for the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity are based on the assumption that it is indeed possible to use biodiversity in a manner in which ecological processes, species and genetic variability remain above the thresholds needed for long-term viability, and that therefore all resource managers and users have the responsibility to ensure that that use does not exceed these capacities.

Non-Detriment Findings and Sustainable Use

The first implicit reference to sustainable use may be inferred from Resolution Conf. 8.3 (Rev. CoP13) which recognizes that commercial trade may be beneficial to the conservation of species and ecosystems

and/or to the development of local people when carried out at levels that are not detrimental to the survival of the species in question.

It is, however, Resolution Conf. 13.2 (Rev. CoP14) which provides the context in which CITES Parties should make use of the on the Addis Ababa principles and guidelines. Indeed, the Resolution noted that "these Principles and Guidelines can be utilized in the implementation by CITES Parties of Article IV and other relevant provisions of the Convention."

Finally, broader guidance

on sustainable use is found
in the new CITES Strategic Vision: 2008-2020 (Resolution Conf. 16.3). For example, the vision statement stresses that Parties should:

"Conserve biodiversity and contribute to its sustainable use by ensuring that no species of wild fauna or flora becomes or remains subject to unsustainable exploitation through international trade, thereby contributing to the significant reduction of the rate of biodiversity loss and making a significant contribution towards achieving the relevant Aichi Biodiversity Targets."

Last modified: Friday, 14 March 2014, 10:30 AM