UPSC Notes on CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

CITES is an important topic for the UPSC syllabus as it covers international wildlife trade regulation, endangered species protection, environmental law enforcement, and global conservation treaties. It links static legal frameworks with current affairs for Prelims, Mains, and Essay papers.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is an important international treaty that protects wild animals and plants. It ensures that trading these species across countries does not put them at risk of extinction.

Key Facts About CITES

• It was drafted following a 1963 resolution by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• The treaty was signed in Washington, D.C., in 1973 and came into force in 1975.
• It currently has 184 member countries or Parties.
• Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, under the administration of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Legally binding, but implementation is through national laws.
• India became a party to CITES in 1976. 

CITES plays a crucial role in global biodiversity conservation.

• It helps prevent species extinction due to international trade.
• Ensures wildlife trade is legal, sustainable, and traceable.
• Encourages international cooperation on wildlife conservation.
• Protects ecosystems by conserving key species.
• Supports livelihoods dependent on sustainable wildlife use.
• Raises awareness about the impacts of the wildlife trade globally.

CITES works by regulating international trade of selected wildlife species to prevent over-exploitation.

• Controls all imports, exports, re-exports, and introductions from the sea of listed species via licensing.
• Parties designate Management Authorities to administer the licensing system.
• Scientific Authorities advise on trade impacts on species.
• Species are categorised in Appendices with different protection levels.
• Prevents trade that threatens species' survival except under strict conditions.
• Coordinates international cooperation for wildlife conservation.

Also read: IUCN List-Endangered Species & Red Data Book for UPSC Preparation

The core objective of CITES is to ensure that the wildlife trade does not imperil species.

• To regulate and monitor international trade in endangered species.
• To promote sustainable use of wild fauna and flora.
• To prevent illegal and unsustainable over-exploitation.
• To facilitate cooperation among countries in wildlife conservation.
• To provide a legal framework for conservation efforts at the global and national levels.

CITES administration involves various authorities and decision-making bodies.

• Administered by the CITES Secretariat under UNEP, based in Geneva.
• Parties hold regular Conferences of the Parties (CoP) to review and update the Convention.
• Management Authorities manage permits and licensing in each member country.
• Scientific Authorities provide expert advice on species and trade.
• The Secretariat coordinates the work and supports Parties in implementation.

Also read: Biodiversity Hotspots in India: UPSC Notes & Facts

Species under CITES are classified into three Appendices based on their conservation status:

• Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction; trade permitted only for non-commercial purposes with strict permits (e.g., gorillas, giant pandas).
• Appendix II: Species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but trade must be controlled to avoid threats (e.g., certain types of orchids, sea turtles).
• Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country that has requested cooperation from other Parties to control trade.

CITES provides a binding but flexible legal framework that relies on national laws.

• The Convention obligates Parties to adopt domestic legislation to enforce CITES measures.
• Trade is regulated through a permit and certificate system.
• Violations are dealt with under national laws and penal codes.
• Provides for cooperation among Parties to combat illegal wildlife trade.
• Enforcement includes customs controls and monitoring of trade activities.

Also read: National Parks in India for UPSC: Complete List and Key Facts

Despite its successes, CITES faces several challenges.

• Dependent on the political will and capacity of member countries.
• Enforcement varies across countries due to different resources.
• Cannot address threats like habitat loss or climate change.
• Illegal wildlife trade still continues as a major problem.
• Some species are under- or over-listed due to political pressures.
• Relies heavily on voluntary compliance and international cooperation.

India has been a Party to CITES since 1976, integrating its provisions into national law to regulate international wildlife trade and combat illegal trafficking.

1. National Legislation Aligning with CITES

• The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended 1991), incorporates CITES trade controls and penalties.

2. Management Authorities

• Additional Director General (Wildlife), MoEFCC, is the national CITES Management Authority.
• WCCB Deputy Directors are Assistant Management Authorities.

3. Scientific Authorities

• The Zoological Survey of India and the Botanical Survey of India provide expert assessments for species listing and permit decisions.

4. Capacity-Building Programmes

• ICCWC: Training workshops for wildlife crime investigation and legal support.
• MIKE: Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants in Assam and Odisha.
• CTSP: CITES Tree Species Programme for red sanders and agarwood regulation.

5. Flagship CITES-Protected Species

• Pangolins (Appendix I): India seizes smuggled scales at major ports.
• Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Appendix I): Coastal patrols prevent illegal egg and shell trade.

6. Law-Enforcement Operations

• Operation WILDNET: Joint WCCB–Customs ivory interceptions.
• Project MANTHRA: Targeted anti-musk deer trafficking prosecutions.

CITES is a key global agreement to conserve endangered species by regulating wildlife trade. Despite limitations, it has curbed over-exploitation and promoted international cooperation. Stronger implementation and enforcement are vital for protecting biodiversity.

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