1. What is CITES?
- The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international legally binding agreement.
- Its purpose is to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
- Signed: 3 March 1973.
- Entered into force: 1 July 1975.
- Nearly all countries of the world are Parties
- As of February 2023, it regulates international trade in more than 40,900 species of animals and plants, including products and derivatives.
- The CITES Appendices
- Appendix I: Species most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants.
- Appendix II: Species not necessarily threatened with extinction now, but trade must be closely controlled.
- Appendix III: Species listed at the request of a Party that needs cooperation from other countries to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation.
