With respect to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), consider the following statements:

It is also known as the Washington Convention.

The legally binding convention entered into force in 1975.

India is a party to the convention.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Question

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is also known as the Washington Convention.
CITES is an international agreement between governments — 184 at present — to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
The convention entered into force in 1975 and India became the 25^thparty — a state that voluntarily agrees to be bound by the Convention — in 1976.
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.
Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants. They are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for instance for scientific research.
Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled.
Appendix III is a list of species included at the request of a Party that already regulates trade in the species and that needs the cooperation of other countries to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation.
Species may be added to or removed from Appendix I and II, or moved between them, only by the Conference of the Parties.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

1, 2 & 3

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is also known as the Washington Convention.
CITES is an international agreement between governments — 184 at present — to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
The convention entered into force in 1975 and India became the 25^thparty — a state that voluntarily agrees to be bound by the Convention — in 1976.
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.
Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants. They are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for instance for scientific research.
Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled.
Appendix III is a list of species included at the request of a Party that already regulates trade in the species and that needs the cooperation of other countries to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation.
Species may be added to or removed from Appendix I and II, or moved between them, only by the Conference of the Parties.

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