17 April 2014: Using open-source technology, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) have overhauled the CITES Trade Database. The Database contains approximately 14 million records on international trade in CITES-listed species. The open-source software supports, in particular, access to data from national reports.

According to CITES and UNEP, additional improvements to the database include faster search speeds and greater reliability. Developments planned for future release include computer-to-computer connections between the CITES Trade Database and other platforms, such as CITES Checklist, Species+ and national systems. The CITES Trade Database will also support the development of mechanisms for Parties to the Convention to more easily register CITES e-permits for legal, sustainable and traceable trade in wildlife. [UNEP Press Release] [CITES News] [CITES Trade Database]