CITES — Definition
Definition
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is a global agreement that regulates international trade in wildlife and plants to prevent their extinction. Think of it as an international passport system for endangered species - no animal or plant listed under CITES can cross international borders without proper documentation.
Established in 1973 and entering force in 1975, CITES operates on a simple principle: control trade to ensure species survival. The convention creates a three-tier classification system called Appendices.
Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction where commercial trade is generally prohibited (like tigers, elephants, and rhinoceros). Appendix II covers species that may become threatened unless trade is controlled (like many orchids and parrots).
Appendix III includes species protected in at least one country that has asked for international cooperation in controlling trade. India joined CITES in 1976 and implements it through the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The system works through permits and certificates - export permits from the country of origin, import permits from the destination country, and re-export certificates for specimens that have already been traded internationally.
CITES doesn't replace national laws but provides a framework for international cooperation. For UPSC aspirants, understanding CITES is crucial because it represents India's commitment to global biodiversity conservation, demonstrates federal-state coordination challenges in environmental governance, and frequently appears in questions about international environmental law, wildlife protection, and sustainable development.
The convention's effectiveness depends on strong national legislation, adequate enforcement mechanisms, and international cooperation - areas where India faces both successes and challenges.