29 August 2011: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has issued a request for tenders in relation to a decision-making mechanism for a process of trade in ivory.

According to the Terms of Reference for the mechanism, the CITES Secretariat intends to commission an independent study on the development of a decision-making mechanism and process for future trade in elephant ivory, for review by the CITES Standing Committee. The study will not determine whether there should or should not be international trade in ivory, but will examine processes and decision-making mechanisms related to ivory trade that are or have been operating under the provisions of the Convention, as well as evaluate strengths and weaknesses of international trade regimes and associated control, and look at basic principles and factors that could guide future trade in ivory. [CITES Notification]