This article challenges Cooney et al.’s proposal to incorporate socio-economic factors into CITES species listing decisions, arguing it would weaken the treaty’s science-based foundation and core mission—protecting wildlife from over-exploitation through international trade. The authors emphasize that CITES listings must remain rooted in biological and trade-related evidence, not economic considerations that could be manipulated by commercial interests. While local community involvement is crucial and already supported at national levels, including socio-economic criteria in listings would hinder efforts to regulate trade of high-value species. The article highlights that CITES has evolved responsibly, balancing conservation needs with rural livelihoods, and that claims of the treaty’s failure are often misleading or based on misinterpreted data. Rather than altering listing criteria, the authors call for strengthening enforcement, transparency, and support for national implementation. They argue that preserving CITES’ scientific integrity is vital for sustaining biodiversity amid rising global trade and organized wildlife crime.
