The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Safeguarding wildlife for a sustainable future

CITES serves as a legally binding treaty that regulates and monitors the international trade of endangered species of animals and plants. Its primary objective is to ensure that such trade does not pose a threat to the survival of species in their natural habitats. The agreement’s core principle is founded upon international cooperation is essential for safeguarding the world’s wildlife.

Regulating international trade

Central to CITES mission is the regulation of the international trade of species listed under its appendices. The three appendices categorise species based on their level of endangerment and the severity of protection required:

• Appendix I: This encompasses species threatened with extinction, and  international trade of wild species is generally prohibited, except for exceptional circumstances involving scientific research or conservation efforts.
• Appendix II: Species that are not necessarily facing immediate extinction but are at risk if their trade remains unregulated are listed under this appendix. Trade in these species is allowed through careful regulation.
• Appendix III: This appendix includes species protected in at least one country listed by one or more CITES member countries that seek support in managing their trade.

Monitoring trade and conservation efforts

CITES adopts a robust permit system to ensure that international trade in listed species adheres to legal and sustainable practices. Member nations grant export permits after conducting a risk-based assessment of how harvesting and trade affect wild species, known as a non-detriment finding. By closely monitoring trade activities, CITES can identify potential threats to certain species and take appropriate action.

Providing technical and financial support

In addition to its regulatory role, CITES extends technical and financial assistance to member countries, enabling them to effectively implement the treaty. This support encompasses capacity-building initiatives, comprehensive training programs, and collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the private sector.

Parties and governance

CITES is founded on voluntary adherence, with countries becoming “Parties” by formally joining the convention. As of 2023, CITES has 184 Parties, indicative of its global reach. Parties convene every three years during the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to make critical decisions and establish policies pertaining to the treaty’s implementation.

Listing species

Proposals to list new species under CITES appendices originate from member countries and undergo rigorous evaluation before adoption during the CoP. These decisions are based on sound scientific evidence and thorough assessments of population status, and the impact international trade has on wild populations. Species can be listed either through consensus or a two-thirds majority vote by Parties. 

Enforcement and penalties

The responsibility of enforcing CITES regulations rests with member countries and their national laws. However, CITES discusses compliance issues and has mechanisms to implement recommendations for trade sanctions in cases when countries are not fulfilling reporting requirements and there are concerns about the sustainability or management of the species. 

Over the years, CITES has achieved notable successes in its mission to safeguard endangered species and conserve global biodiversity. It has played a role in protecting species and fostering international collaboration for wildlife management. Despite its accomplishments, CITES faces challenges in its pursuit of protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity. The illegal trade in wildlife remains a grave threat to many species, undermining CITES efforts to regulate international trade effectively. Some member countries struggle to enforce CITES regulations effectively, leading to illegal trade or circumvention of the convention. CITES must adapt to address emerging challenges, such as the identification of wildlife and its products, exploitation of digital platforms to facilitate illegal wildlife trade and understanding supply chains including herbal medicines.

CITES and medicinal plants

CITES is a cornerstone in the preservation of medicinal plants, a critical link between biodiversity conservation and human well-being. Through a comprehensive approach that combines legal frameworks, community engagement, and sustainable practices, CITES plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by the trade of medicinal plants as showcased through compelling case studies.

In the United States, American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) provides an example of CITES in action. This medicinal plant faced overexploitation due to its high demand in traditional Asian medicine markets. However, with a CITES intervention, American Ginseng was listed under Appendix II, leading to a permitting system that controlled its international trade. This move not only curtailed excessive harvesting but also fostered collaboration among stakeholders. Local harvesters, state regulatory agencies, and NGOs joined forces to ensure responsible collection practices, mitigating the strain on wild populations while allowing sustainable commerce to continue.

In Nepal, Jatamansi (Nardostachys grandiflora) demonstrates the entwined nature of traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and conservation. Jatamansi holds deep cultural significance and has been harvested for centuries. However, unregulated trade led to habitat degradation and population decline. CITES recognition brought about positive change. By listing Jatamansi under Appendix II, Nepal enacted stricter regulations on its harvest and trade, fostering a community-based approach. Local cooperatives now cultivate and sustainably harvest the plant, ensuring a steady supply while preserving its natural habitats. This holistic strategy not only safeguards biodiversity but also empowers local communities and preserves traditional knowledge.

In Cameroon, the story of African cherry (Prunus Africana) sheds light on the challenges and solutions in protecting medicinal plants. Prized for its bark’s pharmaceutical properties, this species faced exploitation that threatened its existence. Prunus africana was listed on CITES Appendix II, leading to a quota system and sustainable management plans. This approach empowered local communities to engage in responsible collection, thereby preventing overharvesting. Ecological and social wellbeing were safeguarded through collaborative efforts involving government agencies, NGOs, and communities.

In these case studies, CITES emerges as a pivotal conservation strategy in safeguarding medicinal plants and their ecosystems. Additionally, CITES recognises that names matter too, preventing confusion and misidentification of plant species. By establishing standardised nomenclature, CITES enhances trade transparency and conservation efforts. The interconnectedness of these actions has a far-reaching impact, securing ecosystems, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

As the world confronts escalating biodiversity loss and environmental crises, CITES assumes an even more critical role. To sustain its effectiveness, CITES will likely need to evolve, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and strengthening cooperation between nations and organisations. It is our collective responsibility to support and uphold the objectives of CITES, ensuring the perpetuation of Earth’s rich and diverse fauna and flora for generations to come. Through concerted global efforts, we can chart a path towards harmony between humanity and the natural world, securing a sustainable future for all.

1. CITES (2023). www.cites.org. Accessed 08.08.2023.
2. Jenkins M., Timoshyna A., Cornthwaite M. (2018), Wild at Home: Exploring the global harvest, trade and use of wild plant ingredients. https://www.traffic.org/site/assets/files/7339/wild-at-home.pdf Accessed 08.08.2023.
3. Harvest and trade of Prunus africana bark in Cameroon (2022) https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/prog/Livelihoods/case_studies/2022/CITES_%26_livelihoods_fact_sheet_Prunus%20Africana%20Cameroon.pdf. Accessed 08.08.2023
4. Harvest and Trade of Jatamansi in Nepal (2022) https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/prog/Livelihoods/case_studies/2022/CITES_%26_livelihoods_fact_sheet_Jatamansi%20Nepal.pdf. Accessed 08.08.2023
5. Medicinal and aromatic plants (2023) https://cites.org/eng/prog/medplants. Accessed 08.08.2023
6. Wild Harvest and “Forest Farming” of American Ginseng in the USA (2022) https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/prog/Livelihoods/case_studies/2022/CITES_%26_livelihoods_fact_sheet_American_Ginseng_USA.pdf. Accessed 08.08.2023