Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora or CITES is an international agreement between states. The primary objective of CITES is to protect the world's plants and animals by making sure that the international trade in their specimens does not endanger their existence. The CITES was established in 1973. This article will explain to you about CITES which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

What is CITES?

• An international convention called CITES aims to stop species from going extinct or going extinct due to trade.
• Under the terms of this agreement, nations cooperate to control the international trade in plant and animal species and to make sure that trade does not threaten the existence of wild populations.
• Any trade in species of plants and animals that are under CITES protection must be sustainable and based on established biological principles.
• CITES is a binding agreement between the parties, but it does not replace national legislation.
• Instead, it offers a framework that each Party must adhere to in order to ensure that CITES is put into effect at the national level.
• Each Party is required to develop its own domestic law to do this.
• It provides varying degrees of protection to over 37,000 animal and plant species, whether they are traded as live specimens, fur coats, or dried herbs.

Why is CITES needed?

• The need for such a convention might seem obvious due to the widespread knowledge of the endangered state of several well-known species, including tigers and elephants.
• Millions of plant and animal specimens are thought to be traded every year in the international wildlife trade, which is estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
• The trade is multifaceted, comprising the sale of live animals and plants as well as a wide range of wildlife-derived goods, including food items, unique leather goods, musical instruments made of wood, timber, tourist trinkets, and medications.
• Some animal and plant species are intensively exploited, and trade in them, combined with other causes like habitat degradation, has the potential to drastically reduce their populations and potentially bring some species dangerously near to extinction.
• Although many of the animal species traded are not endangered, it is nevertheless crucial to have a sustainable trading agreement in place to protect these resources in the long run.
• International collaboration is needed to manage the trade in wild animals and plants since it transcends national borders, protecting some species from over-exploitation.

CITES - Classification (Appendix)

• In accordance with how threatened they are, CITES divides plants and animals into three groups.
• The CITES convention protects against overexploitation through international trade for about 5,600 animal species and 30,000 plant species.
• They are included in the following three CITES Appendices:

CITES - Conference of the Parties (COPs)

• The Conference of the Parties is the collective name for the CITES Parties.
• The Conference of the Parties meets every two to three years to assess how the Convention is being put into practice.
• These conferences typically last two weeks and are held at one of the Parties' locations.
• The conferences are frequently referred to as "CoPs." They give the Parties the chance to:
• Review conservation progress for the species listed in the Appendices;
• Consider (and where appropriate adopt) proposals to change the lists of species in Appendices I and II;
• Consider discussion documents and reports from the Parties, permanent committees, Secretariat, and working groups.
• Make recommendations for improvements to the Convention's efficacy as well as the essential arrangements (such as the establishment of a budget) for the Secretariat's efficient operation.

CITES – Role in Conservation

• CITES has contributed to global species conservation over the last several decades.
• The Parties have agreed on a five-year strategic vision to guide CITES until 2013.
• The plan establishes the following objectives:
  • Ensure that the Convention is followed, implemented, and enforced.
  • Secure the necessary financial resources and means for the Convention's operation and implementation.
  • Contribute to significantly slowing the rate of biodiversity loss by ensuring the coherence and mutual support of CITES and other multilateral instruments and processes.

CITES - India

• In 1976, India ratified the CITES and joined.
• In comparison to other CITES Parties, India is one of the few nations to have utilized Appendix III of CITES extensively.
• India is regarded for housing up to 7-8% of all the species recorded by CITES worldwide because of its tremendous diversity.
• The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is in charge of implementing CITES in India.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the CITES Secretariat plays essential coordination, advising, and service function in the operation of the Convention. The resolutions under CITES typically aim to provide long-term direction, whereas decisions are typically addressed to a particular CITES body (such as the Animals Committee or the CITES Secretariat) and have a timetable for implementation. Both documents are crucial for the Convention's evolution, but they do not have legal force unless they are integrated into new legal texts, as is frequently the case in the EU when new Commission Regulations are enacted or changed.

FAQs

Question: What is CITES?

Question: How does CITES regulate trade?

Question: What is the purpose of CITES?

Question: How are species categorized under CITES?

Question: How many countries are parties to CITES?

MCQs 

1. CITES was established in:

A) 1973

B) 1980

C) 1965

D) 1995

2. The main purpose of CITES is to:

A) Promote wildlife hunting

B) Ensure international trade in wild species does not threaten their survival

C) Limit domestic wildlife trade only

D) Protect only plant species

3. CITES regulates species based on their:

A) Color

B) Size

C) Conservation status and risk of extinction

D) Geographical location only

4. Appendix I of CITES includes:

A) Species with the least protection

B) Threatened species with the highest protection level

C) Species with no trade restrictions

D) Domesticated species

5. How many member countries are part of CITES?

A) 50

B) Over 100

C) Over 180

D) 10

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the objectives and significance of CITES in protecting global biodiversity.

Answer: CITES aims to protect global biodiversity by regulating international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora through a system of permits and certificates. By listing species in different Appendices based on their risk of extinction, CITES ensures sustainable and legal trade, preventing overexploitation and illegal trafficking. Its global membership promotes cooperation and effective enforcement, contributing to the preservation of threatened species and promoting sustainable wildlife management. CITES plays a crucial role in global biodiversity conservation efforts.

Q2: Explain the structure and categorization of species under CITES.

Answer: CITES categorizes species into three Appendices based on their conservation status and level of threat. Appendix I lists species that are threatened with extinction and requires the strictest trade controls. Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened but may become so without regulation. Appendix III comprises species protected in at least one country, requiring cooperation from others to control trade. This structure ensures a tiered approach to regulation, aligning protection levels with species-specific risks.

Q3: Analyze the challenges faced by CITES in implementing its regulations effectively.

Answer: Implementing CITES regulations faces challenges like illegal wildlife trafficking, inadequate enforcement by member countries, and lack of resources for monitoring trade. High demand for endangered species, limited international cooperation, and corruption further complicate enforcement. Strengthening international collaboration, enhancing capacity-building, and promoting awareness among stakeholders can improve compliance and curb illegal trade. Addressing these challenges is crucial for achieving CITES' conservation objectives.

Previous Year Questions on CITES

1. UPSC CSE 2018

Question: Evaluate the impact of CITES on the conservation of endangered species globally.

Answer: CITES has played a pivotal role in conserving endangered species by regulating international trade through a robust permit system. By categorizing species into Appendices based on their risk, it ensures protection and sustainable use. Its global membership promotes cooperation and curbs illegal wildlife trade. However, challenges like enforcement gaps and demand for endangered species persist. Strengthening enforcement and international collaboration can enhance its effectiveness and safeguard global biodiversity.

2. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Discuss the challenges in implementing CITES regulations in developing countries.

Answer: Developing countries face challenges in implementing CITES regulations due to limited resources, lack of technical expertise, and inadequate enforcement mechanisms. High demand for wildlife products and corruption exacerbate illegal trade. Strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and raising awareness among local communities are critical to overcoming these challenges. Effective implementation requires a multifaceted approach, including international support and sustainable development initiatives.