Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)”. This topic has relevance in the Environment section of the UPSC CSE exam.

GS 3: Environment 

Why in the news?

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has taken a positive step towards assisting red sandalwood-growing farmers in India to enhance their export potential. India has been removed from the Review of Significant Trade (RST) for Red Sanders, a list previously designated due to the reporting of numerous instances of red sandalwood smuggling in the past. This removal signals a potential boost for farmers, opening opportunities for increased earnings through export activities.

 About CITES:

  • CITES, established in 1973 and enacted in 1975, is a pivotal international agreement among governments.
  • Its primary goal is to prevent international trade from jeopardizing the survival of wild animals and plants.

Membership and Regulation:

  • CITES boasts 184 member parties, overseeing the trade of over 38,000 species globally.
  • While legally binding on member nations, CITES doesn’t replace national laws; instead, it complements them.

 

Categorization of Protected Species:

  • Species are categorized into three appendices, each offering varying levels of protection.
  • Appendix I: Includes species on the brink of extinction, prohibiting commercial trade.
  • Appendix II: Covers species not currently endangered but subject to potential threats, allowing regulated trade with permits.
  • Appendix III: Features species for which a country seeks assistance in controlling international trade; trade is regulated through permits and certificates.

 

CITES Conference of the Parties (COP):

  • Representatives convene every two to three years to assess progress and adjust lists of protected species.
  • COP discussions guide international conservation efforts and trade regulations.

 

Administration and Location:

  • The CITES Secretariat is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  • Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it serves as a hub for coordinating global conservation initiatives.

 

Law Enforcement Collaboration:

  • CITES facilitates collaboration among law enforcement officers from wildlife authorities, national parks, customs, and police agencies.
  • Joint efforts aim to combat wildlife crime, particularly targeting iconic species like elephants and rhinos.

 

Appendix III and Domestic Regulations:

  • Countries can list species under their domestic regulations in Appendix III at any time.
  • Trade in Appendix III species is regulated through CITES export permits and certificates of origin, issued by relevant countries.

 

Red Sanders (Red Sandalwood): 

Species Profile:

  • Scientific Name: Pterocarpus santalinus.
  • Indigenous to India, Red Sanders is an endemic tree species.
  • Geographical Range: Primarily confined to the Eastern Ghats, specifically within distinct forests in Andhra Pradesh.

Conservation Status:

  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies Red Sanders as ‘Endangered’ on its Red List.
  • The IUCN Red List serves as a comprehensive inventory, categorizing flora and fauna based on their conservation status.

IUCN Red List Categories:

  • The IUCN Red List classifies species on a spectrum from ‘least concern’ (abundant) to ‘extinct’ (completely vanished).
  • Red Sanders falls under the ‘Endangered’ category, indicating a threatened status within the IUCN classification.

Utilization and Demand:

  • Red Sanders is renowned for its vibrant hue and therapeutic properties.
  • High demand prevails in Asia, notably in China and Japan.
  • Utilized for cosmetics, medicinal products, furniture, woodcraft, and musical instruments.

 

Source: Red sandalwood farmers to benefit from CITES’ decision to remove India from a review process 

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 23rd Nov 2023

Q.1 Regarding the Red Sanders (Red Sandalwood) recently seen in the news, consider the following statements: 

  1. Red Sanders, scientifically known as Pterocarpus santalinus, is primarily found in the Western Ghats region of India.
  2. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies Red Sanders as ‘Least Concern’ on its Red List.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2 Regarding the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), consider the following statements:

  1. CITES was established in 1975 with the primary goal of promoting international trade in wild animals and plants.
  2. The CITES Secretariat, administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is located in Vienna, Austria.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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