Sustainability

 

Sustainability Commitment

Thank you for taking the time to explore our Sustainability page. At Canadian Exotic Leather, we are deeply committed to sourcing our leather in a responsible and sustainable manner. All of our tannery partners adhere strictly to international trade agreements, specifically CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), ensuring that the exotic leathers we offer are from legal, regulated sources that do not threaten wildlife populations.

What is CITES and Why is it Important?

A CITES permit is a legally binding document that regulates international trade in species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This agreement, adopted by participating countries, is designed to ensure that trade in these species does not threaten their survival in the wild. CITES permits are required for the import, export, and re-export of species listed under the convention.

Government authorities oversee the issuance of these permits, ensuring that trade is conducted legally and sustainably. For any business engaged in the trade of CITES-listed species, obtaining a permit is both a requirement and a testament to responsible sourcing.

How are Exotic Leathers, Like Alligator, Sustainably Sourced?

At Canadian Exotic Leather, all our alligator leathers are sourced from CITES-regulated programs. Each skin is tracked from the initial egg collection and hatching stage through to the shipping process, ensuring its traceability and legality.In the past, exotic animals, including alligators, were hunted recklessly without proper regulation. However, the introduction of CITES and ongoing conservation efforts by local governments have significantly improved the sustainability of the trade. For instance, the wild alligator population in Louisiana, which was near extinction in the 1970s, has grown to over 3 million individuals by 2020, thanks to well-managed harvesting programs and regulatory measures.

Learn More About Alligator Conservation in Louisiana

For more information on the conservation efforts surrounding alligators in Louisiana, check out the following videos: