There
is a convention which has set international guidelines to protect endangered
flora and fauna, and that is known as CITES.
What
is CITES?
CITES
or The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora is an international agreement between governments. The aim is to
ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does
not threaten their survival.
CITES
is also known as Washington convention. It
was drafted as result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members
or the international union for conservation of nature (IUCN).
CITES entered into force on 1 July 1975. It accords varying degree of
protection to more than 35,000 species of animals and plants.
How does
it operate?
CITES
works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to
certain controls. All import, export, and re-export from the sea
of species covered by the convention and authorized through licensing system.
Each
party to the convention must designate one or more management authorities in charge
administering the licensing system, and one or more scientific authorities to
advise them on the effects of trade on the status of the species.
If a
species is in the category of extinction, the treaty will impose a ban
on the commercial trade of the listed of species. These species are listed on
Appendix I of the treaty (may countries consider this the endangered
species list).
If a
species might have population level concerns then the species is listed
on Appendix II, where commercial trade is allowed but there are certain restrictions. Examples
of Appendix II species include: North American black bear, the golden
eagle, and many orchid species. (Many countries would consider this a list of
threatened species.)
Representatives
of signatory countries meet every two years to carry out their responsibilities
under the treaty. This event is referred to as a Conference of the Parties
(COP).
There
have been eleven of these meetings since 1975. List of
meeting-date and places at these meeting it is decided which animals and plant
should be listed on or removed from Appendix I or appendix II of the
treaty.
Criticism
One
of the strongest criticisms of CITES is that many of its member countries lack
the strong governance needed to effectively enforce CITES restrictions.
However, the treaty is making steps towards addressing these issues of law
enforcement. Many of the parties donate to a fund which is used by the CITES
secretariat to build capacity and improve law enforcement in developing member
countries.
Recently, one such fund was used to build
capacity across developing countries or sustainable management of CITES- listed
sharks and other aquatic species.
In
recent times member government were asked to explicitly incorporate corruption
in to their policies against wildlife trafficking.
Conclusion
The
complexities of species conservation mean that one size rarely fits all. The
sweeping regulations of CITES may lead to successful change for some
countries and species, but cause further exploitation for others. In order for
CITES to be effective, it must be adaptive, and should have the power to
enforce regulations, provide incentives, and promote on-the ground conservation
and community- based work when needed.
