Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of 1973 (CITES)

1. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of 1973 (CITES) An International trade agreement between governments to ensure survival of threatened wild animals and plants. Audra Bylund P. 4 May 4, 2010

2. Important Information • Signed March 3, 1973 to protect certain wild fauna and flora species from over-exploitation due to commercial trade. • In full force July 1,1975- also to include threatened animal species. • Who Regulates CITES? • -Conference of the Parties (COPs)- add or delete species from the Appendices at meetings • Standing Committee: -general policy and operational direction to the Secretariat. - resolution drafts for consideration • -Committee members nominated by COP, representatives of depository government (Switzerland). • -voluntary which allows nations to entire and leave • Now over 170 nations have signed and ratified the treaty.

3. Description • 3 Levels Of Protection (Appendices) • Appendix 1. Species threatened with extinction cannot be traded internationally for commercial purposes. • Appendix 2: Species not threatened with extinction, but may become so if trade is not regulated. They can be placed on the list if their parts cannot be distinguished from other species on the CITIES Appendix I or II list (of threatened species). Must have a permit to export species. • Appendix 3: any species which any Party has stated as being subject to regulation of expolitation within its jurisdiction and needs other Parties to help monitor international trade of the species.