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1. Research and information

• Identify and document existing and emerging trade-related threats to orchids, including by reviewing literature, gathering OSG member reports, engaging with conservation organisations, and conducting periodic reviews of orchid data in the CITES Trade Database

• Maintain online list of trade-related resources, documents and articles

• Compile and maintain a list of experts working on orchid trade, with representation across the major orchid commodities.

• Maintain a list of research gaps related to orchid trade.

• Conduct and support orchid trade-related research as requested and subject to funding.

• Gather information on the viability and conservation implications of the development of propagation techniques and sustainable trade.

• Compile a list of wild-harvested species in trade, and of products that contain wild orchid derivatives.

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2) Policy engagement

• Ensure Orchid Specialist Group is formally represented at future CITES meetings, and track and offer recommendations on policies related to orchid trade.

• Respond to demands for expert inputs on trade from IUCN, TRAFFIC, CITES and range states.

• Contribute to the establishment of guidance on conducting CITES Non-detriment Findings for epiphytic and terrestrial orchids.

• Identify sympathetic partners among CITES Parties and conservation organisations to ensure support for future activities, policy amendments and proposals.

• Improve engagement between traders, hobbyists and other stakeholders with CITES and policy processes.

• Facilitate formal communication of trade-related issues, concerns and research findings to CITES and IUCN.

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3) Public engagement

• Raise the profile of orchid trade issues within media, CITES, IUCN, the broader conservation community and public at large.

• Engage the orchid horticultural community to both generate positive engagement with CITES and reduce demand for illegal wild specimen.

• Deliver public talks on orchid trade and conservation.

• Fundraise for specific orchid trade-related activities.

• Maintain online updates of the group’s current activities on its website and via the OSG Newsletter.