Since COVID-19 emerged in central China in late December, health officials have raced to locate where and how the virus was first transmitted from its likely animal origins, to humans.

As the main international regulator dealing with the wildlife trade - both legal and illegal - the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES, is highlighting the crucial importance of developing a better balance in the relationship between people and the natural world.

Calling for further regulation of a trade which millions around the world rely on, as a source of income and protein, Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of CITES, has been speaking to UN News’s Siwen Qian, about the risks and opportunities involved.