Thailand's proposal to lift control on artificially-bred orchid hybrid has been approved by a wild life protecting conference in Bangkok.  

This is the first time that Thailand's proposals on "downgrading" plant species to relax trade rules have been adopted at the 166-member meeting of the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which ends on Thursday.

The kingdom's request for the exclusion of all artificially-bred orchid hybrids from CITES appendices last week sparked a heated debate among delegates from the European Union (EU) and wildlife protection groups.

They argued that it was difficult to differentiate artificially propagated flowers from wild orchids.

A revised proposal was finally adopted on Wednesday after Thailand agreed to maintain strict trade control on eight endangered orchid genera.

"The removal of orchid hybrids from CITES's Appendix II would facilitate orchid trading because export and import can be conducted without seeking CITES approval," Surakrai Sangkhasuphan, a plant specialist at the Department of Agriculture was quoted by Bangkok Post newspaper as saying on Thursday.

Major importers of Thai orchids include the United States, Japan, and EU countries.

Thailand's other proposals approved at the meeting included easing of international trade rules for the Blue Vanda orchid, Dragon Bone tree, Crown of Thorns and upgrading of the Irrawaddy dolphin from Appendix II to Appendix I to ensure improved protection for the species.

Entering into force in 1975, CITES is regarded as one of the most effective international wildlife conservation treaties.

The first to be held in Southeast Asia, the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES attracted participation of delegations from 166 nations. About 100 proposals and resolutions on protecting various animal and plant species have been discussed at the meeting.