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Our News
What is CITES?
The 16th Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is being held on 3 Mar to 14 Mar in Bangkok, Thailand. It has been entered into force since 1975, in response to concerns that many species were becoming endangered because of international trade.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) entered into force in 1975, in response to concerns that many species were becoming endangered because of international trade. Because this trade crosses national borders, international collaboration and cooperation is crucial to ensure this trade is sustainable and controlled and does not threaten or endanger wildlife.
How does CITES work?
CITES regulates international trade in species by including species on one of three Appendices.
• Appendix I - species cannot be traded internationally for primarily commercial purposes.
Example of species under Appendix I: one entire family Sawfish (except freshwater sawfish), tiger, Himalayan brown bear, elephant, and Tibetan antelope
• Appendix II - species can be traded internationally for commercial purposes, but within strict regulations, requiring determinations of sustainability and legality.
Example of species under Appendix II: Great White Shark, Whale Shark, Basking Shark, Hippopotamus, bigleaf mahogany, and the gray wolf
• Appendix III - a species included at the request of a country which then needs the cooperation of other countries to help prevent illegal exploitation.
Example of species under Appendix III: walrus, Hoffmann's two-toed sloth, and the red-breasted toucan
Since the Convention entered into force, more than 30,000 species of animals and plants have been listed on its Appendices, from tigers and elephants to mahogany and orchids.
What does WWF do?
• WWF is an active participant in the CITES Conferences of the Parties, providing scientific and technical support on various priority species and issues. For example, WWF has contributed to recent CITES decisions to protect several marine and timber species, such as the humphead wrasse, great white shark, and the Asian commercial timber species, ramin. Regarding shark species, we work hard to push for their incorporation into the Appendices to get them protected in the trade arena.
• WWF also works to enforce CITES regulations, and to ensure that its mandate is not weakened or over-ruled by institutions such as the World Trade Organization.