UN Wildlife Body Reverses Course on India Import Restrictions
A United Nations body overseeing global wildlife trade has withdrawn its previous recommendation to restrict India from importing endangered animals, following a review involving the private zoo run by Asia's wealthiest family. The decision came after several nations, including the United States and Japan, argued the measure was premature.
International Pressure Leads to Policy Shift
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) made the reversal during a meeting in Uzbekistan this Sunday, which was live-streamed. Naimah Aziz, chair of the CITES Standing Committee, told delegates that "there doesn't seem to be enough support for retaining the recommendation" and suggested the committee could consider if further regulatory steps were necessary later.
This controversy centres on Vantara, a massive 3,500-acre zoo in Gujarat operated by the philanthropic arm of the Reliance conglomerate, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani and his family. The facility had faced allegations from non-profit and wildlife groups concerning improper animal imports, which prompted increased scrutiny from Germany and the European Union.
From Scrutiny to Acquittal
The situation escalated when, after a visit in September, CITES issued a report this month asking India to "not issue any further import permits". The report cited discrepancies between exporter and importer trade data and insufficient checks on the origins of some animals.
However, the push for restrictions lost momentum when countries including India, the US, Japan, and Brazil backed its withdrawal. They contended the directive was too hasty, with some stating there was no evidence of illegal imports into the country.
This development follows a significant domestic clearance for Vantara. In September, an Indian Supreme Court-appointed investigation cleared the zoo of any wrongdoing. The facility has consistently stated its commitment to transparency and full compliance with all applicable laws.
Despite the reversal, not all parties were satisfied. During Sunday's meeting, Belgium and the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, a conservation group, pushed to suspend exports to India until their concerns were fully addressed. Furthermore, European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said in August that EU states would "pay particular attention to any export requests directed towards India and the facility in question".
Vantara is home to approximately 2,000 species, including exotic animals such as tigers, giraffes, and snakes imported from locations like South Africa, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
