John Scanlon AO

Interviewed by Sabrina Xie from China Radio International about my views on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, China's transition to green development and the ecological civilization, the role of nature and technology in advancing this remarkable transition, and financing for nature conservation.

Given the broader context within which CITES operates, perhaps now is the time we will finally see major strides taken to bring CITES trade processes into the 21st Century.

Now, more than ever, we need a strong global anchor institution for the environment, one that can measure how we are lessening or exacerbating our impact on the global environment; to paint the whole picture to help guide our collective response.

How dire is biodiversity loss; how does biodiversity, climate change and land management converge; how can technology be deployed to end wildlife crime and help save wildlife; and what animal would I talk with if I could?!

More than 1,400 multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) have been adopted over the past 50 years, with more in the pipeline. Over this period, we have also seen multiple global conferences, meetings, and summits. Given this flurry of international activity, our environment must be in good shape, yes? No! It’s quite the opposite. In recent years, the world’s best scientists have painted a grim picture of a degrading environment. This is a crucial time for the environment and our planet’s… Mehr anzeigen

More than 1,400 multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) have been adopted over the past 50 years, with more in the pipeline. Over this period, we have also seen multiple global conferences, meetings, and summits. Given this flurry of international activity, our environment must be in good shape, yes? No! It’s quite the opposite. In recent years, the world’s best scientists have painted a grim picture of a degrading environment. This is a crucial time for the environment and our planet’s health. The time is ripe for the UNEP and the UNEA to become the global environmental authority they were designed to be. Weniger anzeigen

Delighted to be interviewed by CGTN anchor Li Dongning on my expectations for UNEA 6. In 1972, the global community agreed that we need to take a multilateral approach to addressing our environmental challenges. In 2024, given current challenges, we should be expecting more from UNEA and the UN Environment Programme, as I discuss in the interview.

CITES compliance processes and compliance measures are viewed favorably, especially when compared to those of other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), which often have no such process or, where they do, rely on collective assessments of progress and reputational repercussions. It is a strength of CITES and has led to it being referred to as a Convention that ‘has teeth,’ namely having an ability to hold its parties accountable for meeting the obligations they voluntarily agreed to… Mehr anzeigen

CITES compliance processes and compliance measures are viewed favorably, especially when compared to those of other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), which often have no such process or, where they do, rely on collective assessments of progress and reputational repercussions. It is a strength of CITES and has led to it being referred to as a Convention that ‘has teeth,’ namely having an ability to hold its parties accountable for meeting the obligations they voluntarily agreed to adhere to when they joined the Convention. This distinguishes CITES from most other MEAs. But compliance measures must be applied judiciously and predictably, and in a manner that is fair, equitable, and proportionate. Changes are needed to current structures and processes. Weniger anzeigen

Over seven chapters, we explore some of the early signs and on-going development of international environmental law, the origins and outcomes of the 1972 Stockholm Conference, and the major events that have taken place since then, to understand how international laws and related institutions have evolved over the past five decades. It is incomplete, selective, in places anecdotal, at times opinionated, but for all its possible shortcomings it offers an informed, real-world appraisal of where we… Mehr anzeigen

Over seven chapters, we explore some of the early signs and on-going development of international environmental law, the origins and outcomes of the 1972 Stockholm Conference, and the major events that have taken place since then, to understand how international laws and related institutions have evolved over the past five decades. It is incomplete, selective, in places anecdotal, at times opinionated, but for all its possible shortcomings it offers an informed, real-world appraisal of where we are at today and why, with insights into a possible way forward, one that may get us on the path towards securing a harmonious interrelationship between people and nature. Weniger anzeigen

Published for UNFCCC CoP28 in Dubai, where the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime will be co-sponsoring and participating in three events that will directly address this important topic.

Video only

'CITES as a Tool for Sustainable Development' publication released by Cambridge University Press in July 2023. I was delighted to co-author a Chapter on the 'Origins, Evolution and Contribution of CITES to Achieving Sustainable Development' (pages 21-37) together with Marcos Regis da Silva, and Marceil Yeater. We actuually wrote the Chapter back in 2015, when we were all working for the CITES Secretariat. While it has been a long time coming, it's good to see the entire series of papers finally… Mehr anzeigen

'CITES as a Tool for Sustainable Development' publication released by Cambridge University Press in July 2023. I was delighted to co-author a Chapter on the 'Origins, Evolution and Contribution of CITES to Achieving Sustainable Development' (pages 21-37) together with Marcos Regis da Silva, and Marceil Yeater. We actuually wrote the Chapter back in 2015, when we were all working for the CITES Secretariat. While it has been a long time coming, it's good to see the entire series of papers finally being published. Weniger anzeigen

Posted as a part of International Day for Biological Diversity 2023

My remarks at the Consortium of Universities for Global Health '23 Conference Session on 'How the Pandemic Instrument can prevent Pandemics and Enable Equity'.

My published article 'Wildlife must be protected from crime and trade for the sake of public and planetary health' has been selected to appear in the PLOS Biology Showcase on Kudos. It was first published by PLOS in October 2021, and some issues may have evolved a little since then.

My remarks at the ICCF Group Congressional Reception to celebrate 50 years of CITES and 10 years of UN World Wildlife Day

Final article of seven articles to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of CITES on 3 March 1973.

Sixth of seven articles to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of CITES on 3 March 1973.

Fifth of seven articles to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of CITES on 3 March 1973.

Fourth of seven articles to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of CITES on 3 March 1973.

Third of seven articles to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of CITES on 3 March 1973.

Second of seven articles to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of CITES on 3 March 1973.

First of seven articles to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of CITES on 3 March 1973

Opening remarks from CITES CoP19 Global Expert Briefing

China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) World Elephant Day event

Incorporating the carbon services of wild animals into financial markets has the potential to benefit both climate and conservation through the development of carbon offsets that are equitable and nature positive. However, for this paradigm to be successful, many challenges regarding science, finance and law still need to be overcome.

Also available in Chinese 约翰斯坎伦：联合国世界野生动植物日的起源——万丈高楼平地起
https://www.sohu.com/a/526921865_100001695

In partnership with Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime and Northumbria University

2022 CCPCJ Expert Discussions on Crimes that Affect the Environment
Thematic session 3: Strengthening international cooperation to address crimes that affect the environment. Also available via UNODC - https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/commissions/CCPCJ/session/31_Session_2022/expert_discussions_statements.html

Joint session of Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime & Sea Shepherd Legal

Final episode in the podcast series 'Wild Crimes'

Video only

Remarks at Confindustria and the San Patrignano Foundation virtual event

Remarks at UN Crime Congress ancillary event

Remarks at Air Canada virtual event

Remarks at WWF US, Cornell University, Atkinson Centre for Sustainability virtual event

Remarks at the Stimson Centre with ICCF Group virtual event

Remarks at Stolen Wildlife webinar

Joint oped with Robert Zoellick, former President of The World Bank

Joint article with Robert Zoellick, former President of The World Bank

Virtual side event at the 10th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNTOC (UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime), Vienna 16 October 2020

Remarks at CBCGDF event

Remarks at IUCN WCEL virtual event

We jointly authored the Chapter on Organisational Consortiums: The International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC)

Governance and Sustainability Issue Brief Series

Joint author with Dr Alejando Iza

Joint Editor with Dr Françoise Burhenne-Guilmin

Co-authored with Angela Cassar and Noemi Nemes