CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments, aimed at ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants doesn't threaten their survival. This agreement was drafted in 1963 as a result of a resolution adopted by members of the World Conservation Union and became effective in 1975.

 

The need for CITES is clear as international trade in wildlife is estimated to be worth billions of dollars and includes millions of animal and plant specimens. The trade is diverse and ranges from live animals to various wildlife products like food, leather goods, medicines, etc. The exploitation of certain species is high and the trade in them, along with other factors such as habitat loss, is capable of depleting their populations and even putting them on the brink of extinction.

 

CITES accords varying degrees of protection to over 37,000 species of animals and plants and requires international cooperation to regulate the cross-border trade in wild animals and plants. CITES is a legally binding agreement, but it does not replace national laws and provides a framework to be respected by each Party, which has to implement the Convention at the national level.

 

With 184 Parties, CITES has been among the most successful conservation agreements. The Convention plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of wildlife resources for future generations. The Parties of the Convention voluntarily adhere to the agreement and work together to prevent the over-exploitation of wildlife species.

 

Based on inputs from CITES portal