Why in NEWS

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) completed 50 years on 1st July 2025, renewing focus on wildlife conservation, sustainable trade, and global environmental cooperation.

What is CITES?

Aspect	Details
Full Name	Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Also Known As	Washington Convention
Signed	3rd March 1973
Came into Force	1st July 1975
Members	185 parties including India (since 1976) and the EU
Administered By	UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Geneva
Aim	To ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants is legal, sustainable, and traceable

How Does CITES Work?

Mechanism	Description
Permit System	Export, import, re-export, and introduction from the sea require permits issued by national authorities.
National Bodies	Each member appoints a Management Authority (handles permits) and a Scientific Authority (gives advice).
CITES Trade Database	Tracks global legal wildlife trade, aiding transparency and enforcement.

CITES Appendices Explained

Appendix	Species Status	Trade Status
Appendix I	Threatened with extinction	Trade permitted only in exceptional circumstances
Appendix II	Not currently threatened but could be	Trade controlled to avoid risk
Appendix III	Protected by one country seeking support	Trade regulated through cooperation

Significance of CITES

Area	Contribution
Wildlife Protection	Covers 40,000+ species including African elephants, rhinos, tigers, and pangolins
Poaching Reduction	MIKE Programme monitors and curbs illegal killing of elephants in Africa & Asia
Legal Framework in India	All CITES-listed species now included in Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022
Global Partnerships	Collaborates with FAO (fisheries), ESCAP (capacity building), UNDP (youth & conservation)

Why is CITES Still Relevant?

Reason	Explanation
Biodiversity Crisis	Wildlife trade, habitat loss, and climate change continue to threaten species.
Illegal Wildlife Trade	Worth billions annually, it undermines conservation and fuels criminal networks.
Sustainable Development Goals	CITES supports SDGs on biodiversity (15), sustainable consumption (12), and poverty reduction (1).

Conclusion

At 50, CITES remains a cornerstone of global environmental governance, balancing ecological sustainability with economic needs. Strengthening its enforcement, expanding cooperation, and modernizing its digital monitoring will be key to securing wildlife futures in the Anthropocene.

In a Nutshell – Use Code “CITES50”

C – Controls on wildlife trade
I – International cooperation
T – Threatened species protection
E – Enforced via permits
S – Sustainable and legal trade
5 – Five decades of impact
0 – Zero tolerance for illegal trade

Prelims Practice Questions

1. Which of the following best describes the aim of the CITES Convention?
   A) Protection of marine fisheries only
   B) Control of chemical waste trade
   C) Regulating international trade in endangered species
   D) Promoting free global trade in wildlife
2. Appendix I of CITES includes species that are:
   A) Domesticated and farmed globally
   B) Not threatened but require monitoring
   C) Threatened with extinction and trade is highly restricted
   D) Threatened but trade is freely allowed
3. CITES is administered by which of the following agencies?
   A) UNDP
   B) UNEP
   C) IUCN
   D) UNESCO

Mains Practice Questions

1. Discuss the role of CITES in global wildlife conservation. How does it complement national legislation like India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act? (GS – 3)
2. Examine the challenges faced by international treaties like CITES in tackling illegal wildlife trade. Suggest strategies for stronger global enforcement. (GS – 3)

Answer Key – Prelims

Qn	Answer	Explanation
1	C	CITES regulates international trade in endangered species.
2	C	Appendix I species are the most threatened and trade is strictly limited.
3	B	CITES is administered by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).