Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of 1973

(CITES)

Maddi Nelson period 3

● CITES was drafted after a International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) meeting in 1963.

● It is an international organization, currently including 180 participating Parties.

● In 1973, representatives from 80 countries met in Washington, DC, USA to finalize CITES.

● CITES was put into full effect in 1975.● In 1983, the Garborone Amendment addressed economic

roadblocks that some parties might have.

● The purpose of CITES is to ensure protection of wild plant and animal species by regulating international trade.

● The enforcement of CITES prevents species extinction and habitat destruction.

● Over 35,000 plant and animal species are protected by CITES.● CITES is dependent on voluntary adherence of Parties, and is

enforced by domestic legislation rather than national law. In the US, CITES is mainly enforced through the Endangered Species Act. Sometimes, Parties work together or with International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to pursue poachers or illegal trade.