The CITES wildlife-trade agreement
Using international trade controls to protect threatened wildlife.
- When
- 1973–1975
- Where
- Washington, United States; worldwide
CITES established a framework for regulating international trade in wild animals and plants. Countries use the agreement to control trade that could threaten species' survival, with implementation depending on national authorities and cross-border cooperation.
Background
Trade across borders
Wildlife markets connect source countries with buyers elsewhere. A conservation rule in one jurisdiction may have limited effect without cooperation along that chain.[1]
What happened
Impact & evidence
Protection through trade controls
CITES created a framework for controlling international trade in listed animals, plants and their products. Its appendices apply different levels of restriction, implemented through national authorities and permits. The agreement therefore depends on domestic legislation and enforcement at borders. A listing is a legal tool for managing trade; it does not by itself protect a habitat or prevent every form of exploitation.[3]
Aftermath & legacy
Regulation and enforcement
The treaty gives governments a shared framework rather than a guarantee that illegal trade will stop. Its subject is international trade, one of several pressures affecting wildlife.[1]
Sources & image credits (3)
- United Nations Treaty Collection — CITES ↗
- UNEP — Wildlife trade regulation ↗
- cites.org — historical account ↗
Author not established in the image record; via Wikimedia Commons. Image source ↗
