The 11th Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on International Trade in the Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, hereinafter as the convention) was held at the Headquarters of the UNEP in Nairobi, Capital of Kenya from April 9 to 20, 2000. 2500 delegates from over 150 contracting states, over 200 intergovernmental international organizations and NGOs attended it. The conference reviewed the strategy of the convention, the situation of its implementation, the situation of trading in the species listed in the appendixes and the ascent and descent of the species in the appendixes, including 61 policy topics, 62 motions on amending the species listed in the appendixes and other topics on the trade control and protection of specific species. The reviewing process of many topics was full of coloration of political debates which reflected the different viewpoints over the issue of environment and development of the various countries whose economic development was of widely different degrees. The number of NGOs attending this conference was very large and they were very active in the conference.

The Chinese Delegation consisted of officials from the State Forestry Administration, the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Customs General Administration, headed by Ma Fu, Vice Director General of the State Forestry Administration, attended the conference. The Department of Fishery, Agriculture and Natural Resources Protection of the HKSAR sent officials to join the Chinese Delegation. It actively and initiatively participated in the discussion of all topics, spoke on the important topics about which China is concerned and safeguarded China's interests to the maximum degree. On the question of wild musk deer, the Chinese Delegation, after many consultations with the relevant countries, managed to make the sponsor countries withdrew of their own accord the motion on the banning of any trade in wild musk deer. This won China time in the development of traditional medicine and the protection of musk deer. Besides, after active efforts China was elected Member and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee. This was the first time since China acceded to the convention that it was elected Member of the Standing Committee of the Convention. It would greatly enhance China's capacity of participation and initiative in the convention affairs and the decision making.