Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
"When engaging with many individuals, I've observed that the role of CITES in conserving plant and animal species often remains shrouded in mystery, frequently leading to confusion with the IUCN Red List. In this article, we aim to demystify CITES by elucidating its crucial role in species conservation."
Introduction
Conservation is an imperative mission in today's world, where countless plant and animal species face the threat of extinction due to various factors, including habitat loss, over-exploitation, and illegal trade. Among the diverse array of international agreements and organizations dedicated to preserving Earth's biodiversity, one stands out as a critical guardian of our planet's most vulnerable inhabitants: CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
CITES, often inextricably confused with the IUCN Red List, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding these imperilled species. However, its significance remains enigmatic to many, leading to confusion and misunderstandings. This article seeks to demystify CITES, shedding light on its origin, purpose, and the mechanisms it employs to combat the exploitation of wildlife and plants worldwide.
Join us on this exploration of CITES and discover how this remarkable agreement empowers nations to collaborate in the preservation of our planet's most precious inhabitants, ensuring their survival and the continued well-being of our global ecosystem.
CITES VS IUCN RED LIST
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List are both critical components of international conservation efforts, but they serve different purposes and have distinct roles.
CITES is primarily concerned with regulating and controlling international trade to protect species, while the IUCN Red List focuses on assessing and categorizing species based on their conservation status. These two entities complement each other in the broader effort to conserve biodiversity, with CITES providing a legal framework for trade regulation and the IUCN Red List offering valuable data for conservation planning and decision-making.
What is CITES?
CITES, which stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is a multilateral treaty that represents an international agreement between governments.
What is the aim of CITES?
The primary aim of CITES is to ensure sustainable international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants. It seeks to prevent over-exploitation and illegal trade, ultimately contributing to the survival of threatened species.
Origin of CITES
CITES traces its origins back to the year 1963 when a pivotal resolution was passed by members of the IUCN, known as The World Conservation Union. This resolution laid the foundation for the creation of CITES. The formal text of the convention was eventually agreed upon during a meeting attended by representatives from 80 countries in Washington, D.C., United States, on March 3, 1973. CITES officially came into force on July 1, 1975. Presently, CITES boasts 184 Parties, including India, each committed to the convention's objectives.
Working Mechanism of CITES
CITES operates by establishing specific rules and regulations governing the international trade of select species. These species, based on their conservation status, are categorized into three Appendices, each dictating the level of protection required.
Overview of CITES
CITES safeguards a staggering total of over 40,900 species, encompassing approximately 6,610 animal species and 34,310 plant species. These species are distributed across three CITES Appendices, categorizing them according to the extent of their vulnerability to international trade.
1. Appendix I
This category includes species on the brink of extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permissible only in exceptional circumstances.
2. Appendix II
Species listed in this appendix may not necessarily be threatened with extinction, but their trade is closely controlled to prevent activities that could jeopardize their survival.
3. Appendix III
Species in this appendix are protected in at least one country, which has sought assistance from other CITES Parties in regulating their trade. Notably, Appendix III follows a unique procedure for changes, as each Party is entitled to make unilateral amendments.
CITES Conference of the Parties (COP)
The Conference of the Parties (COP) convenes every two to three years, serving as a platform to review the implementation of the CITES Convention. These meetings typically span a two-week period and are hosted by one of the participating Parties. Notably, the 19th Conference of Parties (CoP) recently transpired in Panama City, running from November 14 to November 25, 2022.
During the 19th CoP, India proposed the transfer of Leith's Softshell Turtle and the red-crowned roofed turtle from Appendix II to Appendix I, a move that was successfully adopted. These two turtle species are critically endangered and are frequently subjected to illegal international trade for purposes ranging from pets and food to traditional medicine.
The 19th CoP was marked by India's noteworthy proposals among a total of 12 advocating for enhanced protection of freshwater turtles. Impressively, all 12 turtle proposals were embraced at COP19. This underscored the alarming threats facing turtle populations in India in recent times.
Success stories of CITES
1. Asian Elephants
Asian elephants in various Asian countries faced the looming threat of extinction due to the ivory trade. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, CITES listed the Asian elephant on Appendix I in 1975, effectively banning the international commercial export of ivory from Asian range countries. As a result, the drastic decline in the elephant population was stabilized, offering these magnificent creatures a fighting chance for survival.
2. Pangolins
Pangolins, the most trafficked mammals in the world, were under grave peril from international illegal trade. Traditionally, pangolin scales were believed to aid in blood circulation, lactation, and rheumatic pain relief, driving their illegal trade. At the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP), CITES transferred all eight pangolin species from Appendix II to Appendix I, effectively banning all international commercial trade in wild-caught pangolins and their parts and derivatives. This move has played a pivotal role in sustaining pangolin populations.
3. Tree Species and Forest Ecosystems
CITES extends its influence to nearly 800 tree species and other fauna and flora species residing in forest ecosystems. By regulating the international trade of these species, the convention contributes to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the world's forest resources. This approach has been instrumental in maintaining the ecological balance of various forest habitats.
These success stories underscore the crucial role CITES plays in safeguarding the world's biodiversity by preventing the over-exploitation of species threatened by illegal trade and other forms of exploitation. CITES not only provides a framework forinternational cooperation but also serves as a beacon of hope for endangered species on the brink of extinction.
Conclusion
CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, stands as a beacon of hope in the realm of species conservation. Through its tireless efforts and commitment to international collaboration, CITES has achieved remarkable success stories that exemplify its profound impact on the preservation of our planet's most vulnerable inhabitants.
From the Asian elephants whose populations stabilized following the ban on ivory trade to the pangolins whose survival is now more assured thanks to stringent international trade regulations, CITES has been a driving force in combating over- exploitation and illegal trade.
Furthermore, the convention extends its protective umbrella to encompass a multitude of tree species and forest ecosystems, contributing to the sustainable use and conservation of these invaluable habitats. CITES has not only changed the fate of individual species but also underscored the significance of international cooperation in tackling global conservation challenges.
As we reflect on these accomplishments, it is evident that CITES serves as a critical guardian of Earth's biodiversity, working tirelessly to ensure a harmonious coexistence between humans and the diverse array of species that share our planet. The success stories of CITES remind us that through dedication, cooperation, and vigilance, we have the power to safeguard our natural world for generations to come. CITES's enduring legacy is a testament to the collective will to protect and preserve the delicate balance of life on Earth.
References
1. Home page. IUCN. https://www.iucn.org/
2. Front | CITES. https://cites.org/eng
RAGUL RENGARAJAN (Botanist)
PhD scholar from CSIR (Central Institute of medicinal and aromatic plants research center - bangalore)
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