WEDNESDAY, 24 OCTOBER 2001: As part of government's consultative process, all interested South African citizens and registered South African non-governmental organisations are invited to register with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to participate in the development of possible South African proposals and positions that will be discussed at the twelfth meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 12) to CITES. If not registered, interested parties will not have the opportunity at a later stage to give input with regard to South Africa's proposals and positions.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international treaty with 155 state parties. It provides the necessary framework for the regulation of trade in species of wildlife.

The parties meet every two years. The purpose of the COP is to assess the implementation of the convention, and to make recommendations to improve its effectiveness, as well as amend the appendices. At the COP, procedures for control of the trade in species of fauna and flora listed in the appendices are examined and adapted where necessary. Leading up to the COP, parties submit proposals for interpretative resolutions and amendments to the appendices. Species may be added to the appendices, transferred between appendices, or removed from the appendices.

For registration or more information contact Sonja Meintjes on (012) 310-3545 or e-mail smeintjes@ozone.pwv.gov.za.