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

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

  • CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
  • CITES is an international agreement to which States and regional economic integration organizations adhere voluntarily. States that have agreed to be bound by the Convention (‘joined’ CITES) are known as Parties.
  • Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties – in other words they have to implement the Convention – it does not take the place of national laws. Rather it provides a framework to be respected by each Party, which has to adopt its own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level.
  • The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP.

Establishment and Membership

  • Adopted: 3 March 1973, Washington D.C., USA.
  • Entered into Force: 1 July 1975.
  • Parties: 184 countries + the European Union (as of 2025).
  • Secretariat: Located in Geneva, Switzerland.
  • India’s Membership: India became a Party to CITES in July 1976.

How CITES works?

  • 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 has to be authorized through a licensing system. Each Party to the Convention must designate one or more Management Authorities in charge of administering that licensing system and one or more Scientific Authorities to advise them on the effects of trade on the status of the species.
  • The species covered by CITES are listed in three Appendices, according to the degree of protection they need.
  • Appendix I II
    • Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
  • Appendix II  
    • Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.
  • Appendix III
    • This Appendix contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.
    • Changes to Appendix III follow a distinct procedure from changes to Appendices I and II, as each Party’s is entitled to make unilateral amendments to it.

CITES plays a crucial role in safeguarding the world’s wildlife by ensuring that international trade is regulated, monitored, and sustainable. Through its licensing system, classification of species into Appendices, and global cooperation among Parties, the Convention provides a powerful framework to prevent overexploitation and illegal trade. For countries like India, CITES not only strengthens national conservation laws but also fosters collaboration with the global community to protect biodiversity for future generations.

FAQs

Q1. What is CITES?

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a global treaty ensuring that international wildlife trade is legal, traceable, and sustainable.

Q2. When was CITES adopted and when did it come into force?

CITES was adopted on 3 March 1973 in Washington D.C. and came into force on 1 July 1975.

Q3. How many countries are part of CITES?

As of 2025, CITES has 184 Parties plus the European Union.

Q4. When did India join CITES?

India became a Party to CITES in July 1976.

Q5. What are the CITES Appendices?

  • Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction — trade only in exceptional cases.

  • Appendix II: Species not threatened but trade must be controlled.

  • Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country seeking CITES support in controlling trade.

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