Context:
The third batch of 18 cheetahs, scheduled to be relocated from South Africa to Madhya Pradesh in Feb 2025, may take more time. The project is stalled due to pending import permission from CITES, which is preventing the next phase of the reintroduction effort.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
An agreement among governments that oversees international trade of endangered species is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, otherwise known as CITES.
According to CITES, the main aim is the survival of endangered species in their natural habitats, undeterred by man’s interference.
- What does CITES do?
- It regulates the international trade of endangered species, promotes cooperation among member countries, ensures sustainability, and bans or regulates the international trade of threatened species.
- How does CITES work?
- Lists species in Appendices based on the level of threat posed by international trade.
- Holds meetings of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) every three years to review implementation and consider amendments.
- Uses the CITES Standing Committee for guidance, oversight in implementation, and compliance matters management.
- What are the Appendices?
- Appendix I: Contains species threatened most by international trade.
- Appendix II: Includes species that are not as threatened as those in Appendix I by international trade.
- Appendix III: Includes species to be added to or removed from the Appendix by individual parties.
- CITES also known as?
- Also known as the Washington Convention.
