CITES facts for kids
CITES (which stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an important agreement between many countries. It's also sometimes called the Washington Convention. Its main goal is to protect wild animals and plants from becoming extinct because of international trade.
This agreement was first thought up in 1963 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Countries started signing it in 1973, and it officially began on 1 July 1975.
Contents
What CITES Does
CITES makes sure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. This means that if a plant or animal is rare, you can't just buy or sell it across borders without special permission.
Why CITES is Needed
Many species become endangered because people hunt them too much, cut down too many trees, or collect too many plants. When these activities happen across different countries, it's called international trade. CITES helps control this trade to keep species safe.
For example, some animals are hunted for their fur, tusks, or horns. Some plants are collected for medicines or wood. Without rules, this trade could wipe out entire species. CITES helps countries work together to prevent this.
How CITES Works
CITES works by listing species in different groups, called Appendices. Each Appendix has different rules for trade. To trade any listed species, countries need to issue special permits or certificates.
- Appendix I: This list includes species that are most in danger of extinction. Trade in these species is usually not allowed for commercial (money-making) purposes. It's only allowed in very special cases, like for scientific research, and requires strict permits from both the exporting and importing countries.
- Appendix II: This list includes species that are not yet facing extinction but could become endangered if their trade isn't controlled. Trade in these species is allowed, but it needs a permit from the exporting country. This permit makes sure that taking the animal or plant from the wild won't harm its population.
- Appendix III: This list includes species that a country has asked other CITES countries for help to control trade. A country might list a species if it's already protected within its own borders and it needs international cooperation to prevent illegal trade. Trade in these species requires a certificate of origin (showing where it came from) or an export permit.
Permits and Certificates
When a country wants to export a CITES-listed animal or plant, it must get a permit from its own government. This permit confirms that the trade is legal and won't hurt the species. The country importing the item also often needs to check these permits. This system helps track and control the global trade in wildlife.
Who is Involved in CITES
Over 180 countries are members of CITES. These countries are called "Parties." Each Party agrees to follow the rules of the Convention.
Role of Member Countries
Each member country has to set up its own laws to make sure CITES rules are followed. They also need to have special offices to issue permits and check shipments. This helps stop illegal trade and protect species within their borders and globally.
The CITES Secretariat
There is a special office called the CITES Secretariat. It's like the main office for CITES. It helps countries work together, organizes meetings, and makes sure the rules are understood and followed. The Secretariat is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Benefits of CITES
CITES has been very important in protecting many species around the world.
- Stopping Illegal Trade: It helps governments catch people who illegally trade in endangered animals and plants.
- Raising Awareness: It makes people more aware of how important it is to protect wildlife.
- International Cooperation: It encourages countries to work together to solve global conservation problems.
- Sustainable Use: For some species, it helps ensure that trade is done in a way that doesn't harm their future.
CITES is a key tool in the global effort to save our planet's amazing biodiversity for future generations.
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