CITES73-75
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement. States adhere to the convention voluntarily. Although CITES parties have to implement the Convention, which is legally binding to all Parties, it does not take the place of national laws. It rather provides a framework to be respected by each State, which has to adopt its own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level. The aim of the Convention is to ensure that international trade in endangered species does not threaten their survival. Since the trade in wild animals and plants crosses borders between nations, there is a strong need for international cooperation to safeguard certain species from over-exploitation. Around 5,600 species of animals and 30,000 species of plants are protected by CITES against over-exploitation through international trade. The Convention was drafted at a meeting of members of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). On the text of CITES was finally agreed at a meeting of representatives of 80 countries in Washington D.C. on March 3, 1973. CITES entered into force on July 1, 1975. Currently there are 181 parties.