The withdrawal of the August 1998 recommendation follows a number of critical and overdue steps by Greek authorities to adequately implement the provisions of the international agreement, which covers an estimated 30,000 wild plant and animal species and now has 145 member countries. Greece has now adopted new legislation to implement the Convention. And Greece has reduced the number of ports where wildlife shipments can legally enter the country.
Coats made of protected ocelots hang in a Greek shop.
The level of penalties and sanctions for breaches of the Convention and the relevant European Union wildlife trade regulation will have to be determined and communicated. The country will have to develop a clear policy to guide confiscation of smuggled wildlife. All Rights Reserved. Inc. All Rights Reserved.