Section 20: Scientific Authority

20. Scientific Authority (1) There shall, for the purpose of CITES, be an independent body to be known as the Scientific Authority. (2) The Scientific Authority shall consist of— (a) a Chairperson who shall be a person with experience and knowledge on conservation matters; (b) the Conservator of Forests or his representative; (c) the Principal Veterinary Officer or his representative; (d) the Chief Fisheries Officer or his representative; (e) the Director or his representative; (f) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the subject of environment; (g) a representative of a non-governmental organisation with knowledge of conservation activities; and (h) a private registered veterinary officer. (3) The persons referred to in subsection (2) (a), (g) and (h) shall— (a) be appointed by the Minister; (b) hold office for a period of one year; and (c) be eligible for reappointment for a further period of one year. N30A – 13 [Issue 8] Native Terrestrial Biodiversity and National Parks Act (4) The Scientific Authority shall— (a) advise the Management Authority on any matter relating to CITES, including whether— (i) a proposed export of such specimen of a species as may be prescribed shall be detrimental to the survival of the species; (ii) a proposed import of such specimen of a species as may be prescribed shall be detrimental to the species and the proposed recipient of the specimen is suitably equipped to care for the specimen; (b) monitor the export permits granted for such specimens as may be prescribed and the actual export of the specimens; (c) advise the Management Authority on any measure to be taken to limit the granting of export permits where the situation so requires; (d) advise the Management Authority and the CITES Secretariat on the disposal of confiscated or forfeited specimens; (e) conduct research on any other species that is likely to be endangered, threatened or exploited in Mauritius; (f) collect and distribute information relating to the international trade in, or any other commercial use of, any endangered or protected species; (g) advise the Management Authority, the CITES Secretariat or any other relevant organisation on any matter relevant to the protection of species. PART VI – PROTECTION OF FAUNA AND FLORA