cBrain - CITES – Denmark

Introduction

The Danish EPA's digital CITES system streamlines applications, enhances compliance, and ensures transparent, secure wildlife trade regulation

Case metrics

Key Statistics

184

countries are a part of CITES

6,000

animal species are protected under CITES

33,000

plant species are protected under CITES

The challenge

Need to improve efficiency and compliance in CITES permit processing

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the trade of protected species to ensure their survival in the wild. In Denmark, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for issuing CITES permits required for the import, export, and trade of these protected species. Efficient and accurate permit processing is crucial to uphold Denmark's commitments under CITES and to prevent illegal wildlife trade.

Historically, the EPA managed CITES permit applications through a paper-based system supplemented by outdated case management tools. This manual approach led to several challenges, including duplicate case entries, prolonged processing times, and inconsistent data management. Risks in connection with ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was also a consideration due to the physical handling of sensitive personal data. Moreover, the lack of a transparent tracking systemmade it difficult for applicants and EPA staff to monitor the status of applications, resulting in administrative inefficiencies. To address these issues, the Danish EPA recognized the need for a comprehensive digital solution that would streamline the CITES permit process, enhance data accuracy, ensure GDPR compliance, and improve overall transparency.

The solution

Transforming CITES permit processing through automation and integration

In response to these challenges, the Danish EPA collaborated with cBrain to develop and implement a fully digital CITES permit management system utilizing cBrain's F2 Platform. This modern solution replaced the paper-based processes with an integrated digital framework, transforming the way CITES permits are handled in Denmark.

The new system introduced a user-friendly self-service web portal, enabling applicants—including private citizens, businesses, and organizations—to submit permit applications online. This portal is directly integrated with the global CITES Species+ database, allowing for real-time verification of species information and ensuring that all trade complies with current international regulations. For Danish EPA case managers, the system provides automated checklists that assess applications against predefined CITES criteria, reducing the potential for human error and expediting the decision-making process.

To address data management and compliance concerns, the platform offers centralized and secure storage of all application data, facilitating easy access for audits and reporting while ensuring GDPR compliance through controlled user access. Automated communication features keep applicants informed about their application status, reducing the need for manual follow-ups and enhancing overall transparency. The implementation of this digital solution has empowered the Danish EPA to process CITES permit applications more efficiently, maintain accurate records, and uphold Denmark's obligations under international conservation agreements.

The result

Boosting efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in conservation regulation

The transition to the digital CITES permit management system has yielded benefits for both the Danish EPA and permit applicants. The self-service web portal has simplified the application process, enabling users to submit complete and accurate applications with ease, thereby reducing errors and processing delays. For EPA case managers, the system's automated workflows and integrated checklists have streamlined case handling, allowing for quicker and more consistent permit issuance.

The centralized digital storage of application data ensures that all information is securely maintained, facilitating straightforward compliance with GDPR requirements and providing a reliable audit trail for all transactions. The real-time integration with the CITES Species+ database guarantees that all permit decisions are based on the most current and accurate species information, reinforcing Denmark's commitment to international conservation efforts.

Furthermore, the system's automated communication capabilities enhance transparency by keeping applicants informed at every stage of the process, reducing uncertainty and the administrative burden associated with status inquiries. By moving from a cumbersome paper-based system to a streamlined digital platform, the Danish EPA has improved operational efficiency.

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