Plays coordinating, advisory, and servicing role.  Arranges meetings of the CoP and permanent Committees.

Meets every three years. Reviews and modifies the Appendices of protected species, discusses any other issues.

Provides policy guidance to the Secretariat, oversees the management of the Secretariat’s budget, oversees, where required, the work of the other Committees.

Provides technical support and specialized knowledge on animals and plants that are (or might become) subject to CITES trade controls.