AWEI

A self-paced learning journey - Version 1

Welcome to Version 1 of an Introduction to CITES - an online learning journey on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 

With support from the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), this course has been designed as an induction course for new members of the Scientific Authority of South Africa.

This learning journey will also be of interest to stakeholders in wildlife trade across the continent. In some of the modules, however, there is information that is specific to the South African situation. However, if you are from another country, you will be able to use this information to reflect on how the Scientific Authority operates in your country.

Welcome lecture

  • Click on the image below to stream the lecture on OneDrive (5 min)
  • You can also download the lecture for listening offline

Course structure

The induction course consists of 10 modules including

  • Lectures
  • Learning resources - videos, readings, and websites
  • Reflective learning questions
  • Key discussion questions

Plan to spend initially devote two to three hours per module. For some modules, however, you may want to return to them again and spend more time studying the learning resources. 

Also, we highly recommend that you use a notebook for the course. Take notes while listening to the lectures and watching the videos. Jots down key points and questions while reading the documents and browsing the websites.

Three of the modules have discussion questions to further your thinking about the topics you have been studying. If possible, these are best done with peers or colleagues though an online or in person discussions.

Course modules

  1. International biodiversity-related agreements
  2. International trade-related agreements
  3. Biodiversity and trade policies in South Africa
  4. Discussion on biodiversity and trade agreements
  5. CITES and its appendices
  6. CITES trade measures
  7. Discussion on CITES
  8. Key elements of an NDF study
  9. Application of CITES measures in South Africa
  10. Discussion on the role of the Scientific Authority

Let's get started!

Go to Module 1 International biodiversity-related agreements