PARTICIPATION OF NGOS IN MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES)

Abstract

Considering the need to democratization of the development and implementation of international environmental policies, notably by reference of the broad understanding of the environment as the interest of world society and cooperation object, paradigms that have become stronger with the acceleration of globalization, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) asserted themselves as legitimate actors increasingly influential in this process over the last two decades of the twentieth century. The rules and practices enshrined in various modern international institutions demonstrate enormous opportunities and participation rights, as this study reveals about the regime established by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, some barriers to participation may still be put to reflection for future developments, for example, the need for increased opening to participation in decision-making bodies, the actual function of the preliminary analysis of documents submitted by NGOs in official meetings, the need of distinction between national and international NGOs, the demand for equitable instruments for contracting services for international institutions and finally the lack of funding mechanisms for the representation of developing countries. In effect, anomalies exist and require solutions. However, because of the tendencies introduced by CITES, in particular the codification of new rules for participation based on strong historic consensus that NGOs are important partners in the formulation and implementation of international environmental regimes, the expectation is high in favor of new developments and paradigms for participation in multilateral environmental regimes.