The convention on international trade in endangered species

Abstract

In 1973 the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was implemented in response to growing concerns about the impacts international trade in endangered species was having on a wide range of species. The objective of CITES is to ensure that species threatened with extinction do not become extinct as a result of trade and that any species which are not now threatened with extinction do not become so threatened as a result of trade. CITES attempts to achieve these objectives through the use a system of listing species according to their vulnerability to the trade. CITES makes provision for three different categories of vulnerability; the species in these categories are listed on appendices. The degree of regulation over trade depends on which Appendix species are listed. This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CITES and develop strategies to improve effectiveness. The research asks the fundamental question: in what ways can the effectiveness of CITES be improved? In order to answer this question the following sub-questions are asked. What are the causes of trade in endangered species? How does CITES address trade? What are the key weaknesses which can be manipulated to produce significant events or a chain of significant events (pressure points)? How can these be addressed? CITES is considered by many to be one of the most effective wildlife protection treaties. Its strengths are the cooperative enforcement provisions and the sophisticated administration. However there is absolutely no reason to be complacent; trade still threatens many species with extinction. The effectiveness of CITES in addressing some of these threats can be improved.