By Abdullahi Lukman
Stakeholders from government, industry, academia and research institutions gathered in Guangzhou, China, on Friday , for the second Capacity Building Exchange Event on Wildlife Resource Conservation and Sustainable Industry Development, aimed at strengthening collaboration on wildlife conservation and promoting sustainable trade.
The event brought together nearly 150 participants to discuss key developments following CITES CoP20, the growing threat of illegal wildlife trade, and emerging opportunities for sustainable industry growth. Discussions also examined challenges affecting aquatic product supply chains and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sector.
Organised as a platform for cross-sector collaboration, the programme featured two thematic forums focusing on compliance and sustainable development in the pet bird industry, as well as the sustainable use of medicinal fauna and flora resources.
Speaking at the event, Programme Office Director of TRAFFIC China, Xu Ling, said efforts to curb illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade must be accompanied by practical measures that encourage legal and responsible trade while supporting species conservation and industry development.
Participants agreed that improving sustainable breeding practices, strengthening regulatory compliance, and promoting responsible trade would contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic growth. They also emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation, improved industry standards, and enhanced traceability and certification systems.
More than 60 representatives from government agencies, research institutions, social organisations and industry in Guangdong Province attended the forum on the pet bird industry. Discussions focused on regulatory policies, law enforcement, market trends and public awareness aimed at building a legal, traceable and sustainable pet bird market.
Chief Engineer of the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA), Dr. Yin Feng, said the rapid expansion of the pet economy presents significant opportunities but requires stronger collaboration to ensure sustainable market development and biodiversity protection.
The second thematic forum examined the sustainable use of medicinal fauna and flora resources, with participants reviewing updated regulatory requirements following CITES CoP20 and discussing strategies to support the long-term development of the traditional Chinese medicine industry.
Deputy Secretary-General of the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CATCM), Zhao Runhuai, stressed the importance of conserving medicinal wildlife resources while promoting their sustainable use through improved traceability systems, scientific research and the development of suitable alternatives.
The forum concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and align evolving international regulations with sustainable industry development.
