The authors consider evidence of sustainable development challenges in implementing CITES trade measures, such as leakage along global value chains, also CITES loopholes in FLEG-T measures, and 3rd party trading. Relying on new data from ITTO databases, developing country archives, and analysis of regional and bilateral trade agreements and economic partnerships which seek to support environmental and social objectives, the chapter provides a discussion of possible constructive ways forward.

The authors highlight recent law and policy reform innovations across multiple levels of governance, identifying major implementation challenges and achievements and suggesting key areas for additional research, analysis and capacity-building. Further, the authors discuss the regimes which regulate international trade and investment in certain species as commodity value-chains, providing examples of comparisons between non-CITES species versus CITES species. The focus is on analysing regulations that implement the sustainable development provisions of the CITES which affect trade and investment flows, globally. The authors explain value-chains approaches, then discuss endangered species commodity value-chains, including how global trade in species products can be demand driven, and how non-CITES and CITES species can be compared. The authors then present the key concepts in value-chains analysis, explaining the law and governance aspects. These aspects are illustrated with examples of regulatory regimes with national and transnational dimensions, taking into account species highlighted in the rest of the volume. In conclusion, the authors highlight emerging concepts, consider the utility and limitations of a law and governance approach, and its broader linkages to global landscapes governance.