Sustainability
Thank you for having the consideration to look at our Sustainability page. At Canadian Exotic Leather, we make a conscience effort to ensure our leather are sourced in a sustainable manner. All of our trading tannery partners adhere strictly to the international import and export trade agreements referred to as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). This ensures that the skins we sell are not from illegal sources that would harm the wildlife population.
What is CITES and Why is it Important?
A CITES permit is a document that allows international trade in species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It is a legally binding agreement between participating countries aimed at ensuring that international trade in certain species does not threaten their survival. CITES permits are required for the import, export, and re-export of species listed under the convention. The issuance of these permits is overseen by government authorities and ensures that trade in these species is conducted in a sustainable and legal manner. Obtaining a CITES permit is a requirement for all individuals and companies engaged in the trade of species listed under the convention.
How are exotic leathers (ie. Alligator) sustainability sourced?
The sources for our alligator leathers are all CITIES controlled, each of those skins are tracked from the beginning of egg collection for hatching stage to the shipping stage to ensure you are buying a legal leather.
While exotic animals had previously been carelessly hunted without regulation, the introduction of CITES and rigorous regulation and conservation efforts by local governments have made the trade increasingly sustainable. For example, wild alligator population was near extinct in the 1970s and through highly regulated harvesting programs, the wild alligator population in Louisiana has increased to over 3 million as of 2020.
Below are good videos containing more information of the conservation efforts in the direct case of Alligators in Louisiana.
Louisiana Alligator Sustainability
Louisiana Alligator Traceability