Consider the following statements regarding the Convention on Internat...
Trade in precious timber and sharks and conservation of elephants and big cats were among the many critical matters reviewed during the 77th Meeting of the Standing Committee (SC77) of the CITES in Geneva recently.
About Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
- It is an international agreement between governments that aims to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
- CITES was adopted in 1973 and entered into force in 1975.
- There are 184 member parties, and trade is regulated in more than 38,000 species.
- Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties – in other words, they have to implement the Convention–it does not take the place of national laws.
- The CITES Secretariat is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Representatives of CITES nations meet every two to three years at a Conference of the Parties (or COP) to review progress and adjust the lists of protected species, which are grouped into three categories with different levels of protection:
- Appendix I:
- It includes species threatened with extinction and provides the greatest level of protection, including a prohibition on commercial trade.
- Appendix II:
- It includes species that are not currently threatened with extinction but may become so without trade controls.
- Regulated trade is allowed if the exporting country issues a permit based on findings that the specimens were legally acquired and the trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species or its role in the ecosystem.
- Appendix III:
- It includes species for which a country has asked other CITES parties to help control international trade.
- Trade in Appendix III species is regulated using CITES export permits (issued by the country that listed the species in Appendix III) and certificates of origin (issued by all other countries).
- Countries may list species for which they have domestic regulations in Appendix III at any time.
- CITES also brings together law enforcement officers from wildlife authorities, national parks, customs, and police agencies to collaborate on efforts to combat wildlife crime targeted at animals such as elephants and rhinos.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
Consider the following statements regarding the Convention on Internat...
The correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only. Let's understand why this is the correct answer.
1. It is legally binding on the parties:
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments. It was established in 1975 and is legally binding on the parties that have ratified it. Currently, there are 183 parties to the convention, including countries and regional economic integration organizations.
CITES aims to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It regulates and monitors the international trade of endangered species, promoting their conservation and sustainable use.
Under CITES, parties are required to adopt domestic legislation and regulations to implement the provisions of the convention. They must also establish management authorities and scientific authorities to carry out the necessary functions related to the implementation of CITES. Parties are obligated to enforce the regulations and take measures to prevent illegal trade in endangered species.
2. It prohibits commercial trade of all the species included under CITES:
This statement is incorrect. CITES does not prohibit commercial trade of all the species included under the convention. Instead, it regulates and controls the trade to ensure it is sustainable and does not threaten the survival of the species.
CITES classifies species into three different appendices, depending on their conservation status and the level of protection they require:
- Appendix I: This includes species threatened with extinction. Commercial trade in these species is generally prohibited, except in exceptional circumstances with proper permits.
- Appendix II: This includes species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but their trade needs to be controlled to avoid exploitation. Commercial trade in these species is allowed, but it requires permits and documentation to ensure it is legal and sustainable.
- Appendix III: This includes species that are protected in at least one country and require cooperation from other parties to regulate their trade. Permits or certificates are required for their trade.
Therefore, the second statement is incorrect as CITES does not prohibit commercial trade of all the species included under the convention.
In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as CITES is legally binding on the parties, but statement 2 is incorrect as CITES does not prohibit commercial trade of all the species included under the convention.
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