Overview

• CITES is an international treaty aimed at ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival
• It regulates trade through a permit and certification system
• Applies to live animals and plants, as well as derivatives such as skins, ivory, timber, medicines, and ornaments

Origin and Legal Status

• Adopted in 1973 at Washington D.C.
• Entered into force in 1975
• Administered by the Secretariat
• Secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland
• Legally binding on Parties, but implementation is through domestic legislation

Membership

• 184 Parties (countries + European Union)
• India became a Party in 1976
• Almost universal participation, making it one of the most widely accepted conservation treaties

Core Objective

• To regulate, not ban, international trade in wildlife
• Prevent over-exploitation of species due to global commercial demand
• Balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable use

Appendices System

CITES classifies species into three appendices based on the level of protection required

Appendix I

• Species threatened with extinction
• Commercial international trade is generally prohibited
• Trade permitted only in exceptional circumstances (scientific research, captive breeding)
• Examples include tiger, rhinoceros, Asian elephant

Appendix II

• Species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but trade must be strictly regulated
• Most CITES-listed species fall under this category
• Examples include python, crocodile species, many orchids

Appendix III

• Species protected in at least one country that has asked other Parties for assistance in controlling trade
• Least restrictive category

Institutional Structure

• Conference of the Parties (CoP)
  
  • Supreme decision-making body
  • Meets every 2–3 years
  • Amends appendices, adopts resolutions and decisions
• Standing Committee
  
  • Oversees implementation between CoPs
• Animals Committee and Plants Committee
  
  • Provide scientific and technical advice

Implementation Mechanism

• Each Party must designate:
  
  • Management Authority to issue permits
  • Scientific Authority to assess sustainability of trade
• Trade allowed only with:
  
  • Export permits
  • Import permits (for Appendix I species)
  • Re-export certificates

Enforcement Provisions

• Non-compliance can lead to:
  
  • Trade suspensions
  • International pressure and monitoring
• CITES itself does not impose penalties
  
• Enforcement depends on national wildlife laws
  

India and CITES

• Implemented primarily through the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
• Director of Wildlife Preservation functions as the CITES Management Authority
• India regularly submits proposals and participates actively in CoPs
• Several Indian species are listed under Appendix I and II

Significance

• First global treaty linking wildlife conservation with international trade
• Crucial for combating:
  • Illegal wildlife trade
  • Poaching driven by global demand
• Supports biodiversity goals under:
  • Convention on Biological Diversity
  • Sustainable Development Goals

Limitations

• Focuses only on international trade, not habitat loss
• Effectiveness depends on:
  • National enforcement capacity
  • Political will
• Illegal trade networks often operate outside formal trade channels

Contemporary Relevance

• Growing relevance due to:
  • Wildlife trafficking
  • Zoonotic disease concerns
  • Demand for exotic pets, timber, and traditional medicines
• Increasing overlap with climate change and ecosystem protection debates