Investing in Conservation Leaders
For over 30 years, the International University of Andalucía in Spain has offered graduate degrees in "The Management and Conservation of Species in Trade: The International Framework," also known as the "CITES Master's Course." (Video highlights may be found below.)
The CITES Master’s Course provides an opportunity for professionals in the CITES community to develop the technical expertise necessary for the implementation of CITES in their countries. It is a one-of-a-kind graduate program that provides comprehensive training for professionals who are working to advance policies for CITES in regions around the world where poaching and trafficking is having a negative impact on wildlife populations.
As part of the United States’ priority to combat the illegal wildlife trade and to support capacity for CITES implementation, our International Affairs program supported scholarships for wildlife and policy professionals to participate in the CITES Master’s Course. We provide this support in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s International Technical Assistance Program and in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development West Africa Biodiversity program.
In 2022, the Service, DOI-ITAP, and USAID provided scholarships to 30 individuals representing 23 countries from Central, East, and West Africa. These scholars worked in a range of professions including in CITES policy; as wildlife veterinarians, researchers and engineers; wildlife and protected area managers; and educators. Prior scholarships helped sponsor an additional 42 individuals from West Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Additional resources:
1. CITES Master's Course General Program Factsheet
2. CITES Master's Course: 2018-2019 Regional Cohort Bios (Latin America and the Caribbean)
3. CITES Master's Course: 2022-2023 Regional Cohort Bios (Central Africa)
4. CITES Master's Course 2022-2023 Abstract Booklet
5. CITES Website (www.CITES.org)
The videos below highlight the graduates and explain the CITES Master’s Course. Interviews were filmed in Panama City, Panama in November of 2022 during the CITES Conference of the Parties, which the scholars attended as part of their scholarship experience. Videos are available in English (both with and without audio description), Spanish, and French. These videos were produced for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by Wind-up Pictures.
Investing in Conservation Leaders through the CITES Master's Course (English)
Investing in Conservation Leaders through the CITES Master's Course (Audio Described)
Investing in Conservation Leaders through the CITES Master's Course (Spanish)
Investing in Conservation Leaders through the CITES Master's Course (French)
