23 Nov 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:
- Red Sanders, scientifically known as Pterocarpus santalinus, is primarily found in the Western Ghats region of India.
- 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:
- CITES was established in 1975 with the primary goal of promoting international trade in wild animals and plants.
- 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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