Trade in protected species: Conference of the Parties
The Conference of the Parties (CoP) is the decision-making body for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The CoP meets every three years.
CITES members States (Parties) are officially represented by delegations which review and adopt Resolutions, proposals, and amendments to proposals for the listing of species in the different appendices.
At the meeting of the CoP, participants evaluate also the progress in the restoration and conservation of the species included in the Appendices.
Non governmental organisations (NGO) as well as other observers are invited to attend, but they do not have the right to vote.
Official documents and other information on the Conferences of the Parties in general can be consulted at the site of the CITES Secretariat.