An international conference on trade in endangered species ended in Panama, with protections established for over 500 species. The measures were approved by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, known by its initials as CITES. The gathering sought to combat trade in species facing extinction. The conference agreed to tighten trade regulations on sharks targeted by the fin trade and tiny frogs with translucent skin.

          The international wildlife trade treaty, which was adopted 49 years ago in Washington, D.C., has been praised for helping stem the illegal and unsustainable trade in ivory and rhino horns as well as in whales and sea turtles. CITES lauded and recorded the works done by the India in the area of conservation of tortoises and fresh water turtles and efforts made in combating wildlife crime and illegal trade of turtles in the country.

LEARNING FROM HOME/ WITHOUT CLASSES/ BASICS

Global biodiversity is facing a crisis with many species on a rapid path to extinction.

CITES 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. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the CITES is administered by the United Nations under its UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) Wing

          It regulates the cross-border movement of species (animal and plant) listed on the Appendices to the Convention for both trade and non-commercial (e.g., scientific) purposes. It applies to live animals, carcases and any parts or derivatives). Any such movement must be authorised by CITES import and export permits issued by the CITES Management Authority,    

             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.

       Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction, for which international trade is only permitted in exceptional circumstances. Appendix II includes species that may become threatened in the future if international trade is not regulated, and Appendix III contains species that are protected in a country, and is a way to seek other Parties’ assistance for controlling the trade in the listed species.