UAE enacts 20 laws to enhance trade of 'endangered species'

The National Plan to Promote the Regulation of International Trade in Endangered Wild Animal and Plant Species (2023-2030) highlights that the UAE has enacted 20 federal legislations aimed at effectively and sustainably managing international trade by 2030.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment outlined that the plan includes four national objectives along with various tasks and activities.

These objectives aim to enhance the legislative framework for regulating both international and national trade in species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) agreement, ensure the enforcement and compliance with national laws to support efforts against illegal wildlife trade, strengthen capacity building and increase public awareness in combating wildlife trafficking, and foster regional and international cooperation to establish robust regulatory frameworks to tackle illegal wildlife trade effectively.

The national plan outlines 20 federal legislations, including the following: Federal Law No. 5 of 1979 concerning Agricultural Quarantine and its corresponding Executive Regulations, Federal Law No. 6 of 1979 regulating Veterinary Quarantine along with its Executive Regulations, Federal Law No. 9 of 1983 addressing the regulation of bird and animal hunting within the UAE, Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 focused on the exploitation, protection, and development of living aquatic resources in the UAE, later amended by Federal Law No. 7 of 2016 along with its Executive Regulations, Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 relating to Environmental Protection and Development alongside its amendments and Executive Regulations, and Federal Law No. 11 of 2002 governing the regulation and control of international trade in endangered animals and plants, also accompanied by its Executive Regulations.

The legislation encompasses several resolutions and laws aimed at regulating various aspects of trade, import, export, and welfare concerning animals and related products.

These include Administrative Authority Resolution No. 370 of 2004, which governs the trade in exempted specimens in alignment with Articles 24, 19, and 37 of Federal Law No. 11 of 2002, as well as Ministerial Resolution No. 433 of 2004, specifying official entry points for the import, export, and re-export of species listed under the CITES Convention.

Additionally, it includes Administrative Authority Resolution No. 369 of 2004 for regulating the import, export, re-export, sale, and monitoring of ornamental animals and birds, and Administrative Authority Resolution No. 368 of 2004 concerning the trade of caviar.

Ministerial Resolution No. 64 of 2005 outlines the conditions for importing companion animals into the UAE, while Federal Law No. 16 of 2007, along with its amendments, addresses animal welfare. Finally, Ministerial Law No. 558 of 2010 lays out the conditions for importing processed animal by-products.

In addition, the following regulations apply: Ministerial Resolution No. 346 of 2012 on the import of wild animals, Ministerial Resolution No. 488 of 2021 governing the import, export, and re-export of endangered animals and plants from non-CITES member countries, Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 on the possession of dangerous animals including its amendments and executive regulations, Ministerial Resolution No. 335 of 2018 on the import of live animals, their products, and waste, Ministerial Resolution No. 43 of 2019 on the fishing and trade of sharks, Ministerial Resolution No. 229 of 2019 on the issuance of falcon document, and Ministerial Resolution No. 229 of 2020 amending certain provisions of Administrative Authority Resolution No. 370 of 2004 concerning the handling of exempted specimens.

Understanding the critical need to tackle the illegal wildlife trade proactively, and consistent with its strategic goals to safeguard the environment and prevent wildlife extinction, the UAE joined the CITES Convention in 1990, solidifying its commitment as a member.

The UAE places significant emphasis on safeguarding biodiversity, protecting endangered species, ensuring their propagation, and reintroducing them into their natural habitats both within and beyond its borders.

The nation has achieved remarkable progress in this area through the implementation of a comprehensive legislative framework. This framework encompasses laws designed to protect these species and regulate their management, aligning closely with international agreements and treaties.

Additionally, the UAE has expanded the number and scope of nature reserves, initiated numerous breeding programs for endangered species, and integrated advanced technologies to conserve the environment and various life forms.