NAIROBI, MoEF Public Relations Bureau, 26/5/2016: Interspersed between sessions during the UNEA-2 in Nairobi, Kenya, a bilateral meeting was held between Indonesia and the European Union. Minister of Environment and Forestry RI Siti Nurbaya conveyed to European Union Commissioner Kamenu Vella that the cardinal fish, popularly sought out by communities as a decorative fish, need not be entered into the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ) Appendix II. The matter was originally to be discussed at the COP 17 CITES in Johannesburg, South Africa, this September. 

Minister Siti Nurbaya’s reasoning for not entering cardinal fish (Pterapogon kauderni) into the CITES Appendix II is because the species population is being well-managed.

Indonesia’s stance against listing cardinal fish in the COP CITES have the following reasons:

1. The endemic status of the cardinal fish is no longer relevant, bearing in mind the species has now dispersed and can be found in other locations, such as in the Lembeh Straits.

2. Indonesia has carried out conservation efforts towards the species, including naming it a priority species. 

3. Coralling activities towards the species now successfully involves local communities through coralling facilities in Manado. Community-based conservation efforts have always proven effective. 

The Minister said that Indonesia positively welcomes the European Union’s concern towards conservation efforts of the cardinal fish. To this, Indonesia invites EU support to enhance ongoing conservation efforts, and also increase community capacity and participation in these efforts, bearing in mind that cardinal fish are a source of income for local communities.

CITES Appendix II is a listing of species non-threatened with extinction, but have potential for extinction if unchecked trading practices are not regulated. CITES is an international pact among nations compiled based on resolutions by parties in the World Conservation Union (IUCN) of 1963. 

Conservation management by Indonesia needs the support of the consumer countries destined for illegal export, through establishment of tight control systems for unsustainable fish species. Indonesia on its part is tightening its controls at the local and national levels.

Person-in-charge:

Chief, MoEF Public Relations Bureau, Novrizal, Cell: +6218432387