Consider the following statements regarding the Convention on Internat...
The correct answer is option 'a', which states that only statement 1 is correct.
Explanation:
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 183 parties (countries) that have ratified it. This means that once a country becomes a party to CITES, it is obligated to adhere to the provisions and regulations outlined in the convention.
2. It prohibits commercial trade of all the species included under CITES:
This statement is incorrect. CITES does not prohibit the commercial trade of all species included under its purview. Instead, it regulates and controls the international trade of certain species to ensure their survival in the wild. CITES categorizes species into three appendices based on the level of protection they require:
- Appendix I: Species listed under Appendix I are considered to be the most endangered and are subject to the highest level of protection. Commercial trade of species listed in this appendix is generally prohibited, with only rare exceptions for certain circumstances, such as scientific research or conservation programs.
- Appendix II: Species listed under Appendix II are not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so if their trade is not regulated. Commercial trade of these species is allowed, but it requires permits and strict monitoring to ensure it is sustainable and does not negatively impact their populations.
- Appendix III: Species listed under Appendix III are those that are protected in at least one country and that country has asked other CITES parties for assistance in controlling their trade. Commercial trade of these species is allowed, but it requires permits and cooperation between countries to ensure their protection.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'a' as statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is incorrect.
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.
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