Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Former name
Type
Context

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), also known as the Washington Convention, is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals. It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The convention was opened for signature in 1973 and became effective on 1 July 1975.

Purpose and Goals

The main objective of CITES is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The convention plays a crucial role in the global fight against wildlife trafficking and illegal trade, providing a framework to facilitate cooperation among countries.

Provisions

CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. All import, export, re-export, and introduction from the sea of species covered by the convention must be authorized through a licensing system. The species covered by CITES are listed in three appendices according to the degree of protection they need:

• Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
• Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.
• Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.

Amendments and Reservations

Amendments to the convention must be agreed upon by the Conference of the Parties (CoP), which meets every two to three years. This body makes decisions based on proposals submitted by Parties, and these decisions are legally binding. Parties can, however, enter reservations against amendments, exempting them from having to implement these changes.

Implementation

Each Party to the convention must designate one or more Management Authorities in charge of administering the licensing system and one or more Scientific Authorities to advise on the effects of trade on the status of the species. The effectiveness of CITES relies heavily on the ability of each country to enforce its provisions through domestic legislation.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its successes, CITES faces challenges such as lack of political will, insufficient funding, and the need for greater public awareness and education about the importance of wildlife conservation. Critics also argue that the regulatory approach can sometimes be bureaucratic and that it may not address the root causes of biodiversity loss, such as habitat destruction.

See Also

• Biodiversity
• Endangered species
• Wildlife conservation
• Environmental law