Xining Declaration
On the Conservation of and Control of Trade in
Tibetan Antelope
12-14 October, 1999
Xining, China
Co-sponsored by the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the People's Republic of China Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Import and Export Administrative Office, the International Workshop on Conservation and Control of Trade in Tibetan Antelope was held in Xining, China from October 12-14, 1999, with the purpose of promoting international cooperation to save the endangered wild populations of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii). Participating in this workshop were government representatives from China, France, India, Italy, Nepal, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and representatives from the CITES Secretariat, CWCA, IFAW, TPP, TRAFFIC, WCS, WPSI and WWF, as well as experts and scholars specialized in the study and protection of this species.
The International Workshop was the first of its kind to focus on the protection and control of trade in Tibetan antelope. The meeting collected a large amount of first-hand information on the status of the wild population, poaching and illegal trade (i.e. smuggling, processing, selling and offering for sale of parts and derivatives of Tibetan antelope, especially shahtoosh, the fine wool of the animal, and all products made from it). Comprehensive and practical discussions were held during the meeting. The participants of the international workshop reached the following consensus:
Being aware that the diversity of wild fauna and flora resources is a result of evolution over a long time and is an irreplaceable component of the earth's natural system, having invaluable significance to the sustainable development and long-term survival of humanity.
Considering that the wild populations of Tibetan antelope, mainly found on China's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, are an important component of the ecosystem of the region, having significant value in scientific research, ecological balance, and even culture and aesthetics, humanity has the responsibility to protect this precious species.
Noting that large-scale poaching and slaughter of Tibetan antelope has been occurring since the late 1980s. In spite of existing measures adopted by the Chinese government, poaching and smuggling have continued and the species' population size is declining at an alarming rate. It was agreed that international and multi-agency approaches will be required to arrest the decline.
Recognizing that the consumer markets for parts and derivatives of Tibetan antelope, especially shahtoosh shawls and the high profits brought by such markets, are the fundamental reasons leading to continued large-scale poaching of the wild populations of Tibetan antelope.
Also noting the strict measures provided by CITES on the management of the import and export of wild fauna and flora, Tibetan antelope has been listed on Appendix I of CITES since 1979 and should be strictly protected according to the Convention.
Further noting that all countries participating in the workshop are Parties to CITES, and have an equal obligation to implement the Convention.
PARTICIPANTS:
Recognizing and appreciating the efforts and achievements made to date by the Government of China and other governments, inter-governmental organizations and international and national non-governmental organizations to protect the Tibetan antelope and crack down on poaching, smuggling and illegal production and/or consumption of parts and derivatives of the Tibetan antelope, especially shahtoosh shawls. Participants recognized that anti-poaching and population monitoring efforts dserve more support.
And agree that the total eradication of production of and markets for shahtoosh and its products is the key to the survival of Tibetan antelope.
Participants Appeal:
1: To all countries to ban internal trade in parts and derivatives of Tibetan antelope, especially shahtoosh, and instigate registration schemes for already existing stocks, in compliance with domestic legislation.
2: That the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES adopt a resolution urging all Parties to strengthen law enforcement to control trade in parts and derivatives of Tibetan antelope, especially shahtoosh. A draft resolution was discussed by delegates at the International Workshop on Conservation and Control of Trade in Tibetan Antelope, 12-14 October 1999, Xining, China.
3: In particular to relevant countries to:
A. coordinate action by conservation and law enforcement agencies;
B. make every effort to intercept illegal shipments of parts and derivatives;
C. recognize that ban on internal trade may instigate illicit black markets;
D. make full use of existing law enforcement networks, such as International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO-INTERPOL) and World Customs Organization (WCO), and to provide relevant information to these inter-governmental agencies.
4: To all relevant countries to engage in public education and awareness campaigns emphasizing that the trade in shahtoosh is unlawful and has resulted in the alarming decline in wild populations of Tibetan antelope.
5: To relevant countries to cooperate with, and utilize the experience and influence of, national and international non-governmental organizations in the field of conservation, combating illicit trade and raising public awareness of the plight of the Tibetan antelope.
6: To the international community for the provision of support to range, manufacturing and transit states in their efforts to protect the Tibetan antelope and to crack down on poaching, processing and smuggling.
7: To all range countries, especially China, with support from the international
community, to improve or develop a conservation management plan for the Tibetan
antelope and its habitat, and to strengthen implementation.
(Note: This document is a transcription of the original wording of the Xining Declaration and may differ in some respects from the version transmitted by the CITES Secretariat.)
Download the Xining Declaration and Recommendations for Action adopted at the International Workshop on Conservation and Control of Trade in Tibetan Antelope from the CITES website.