Question: Consider the following statement regarding CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora):
(1) Appendix I lists species that are in danger of extinction
(2) CITES secretariat is in Geneva, Switzerland.
From the above, correct statement/s is/are
(a) Only (1)
(b) Only (2)
(c) Both (1) and (2)
(d) All the above
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- In August, 2019, India has submitted proposals regarding changes to the listing of various wildlife species in the CITES secretariat meeting, in Geneva, Switzerland.
- The proposals submitted are regarding changes in the listing of the smooth-coated otter, small-clawed otter, Indian star tortoise, Tokay gecko, wedgefish and Indian rosewood.
- The country seeks to boost the protection of all the five animal species as they are facing a high risk of international trade.
- For the Indian rosewood, the proposal is to remove the species from CITES Appendix II. The species covered by CITES are listed in three appendices on the degree of protection they require.
- India is among the parties proposing the re-listing of the star tortoise from CITES Appendix II to Appendix I. The species faces two threats: loss of habitat to agriculture and illegal harvesting for the pet trade.
- With regard to the two otter species, India, Nepal and the Philippines have proposed that the listing be moved from CITES Appendix II to Appendix I for the more endangered species. A similar proposal has been made to include the Tokay gecko in Appendix I.
Classifications:
- It classifies plants and animals according to three categories, or appendices, based on how threatened. They are:
- Appendix I: It lists species that are in danger of extinction. It prohibits commercial trade of these plants and animals except in extraordinary situations for scientific or educational reasons.
- Appendix II species: They are those that are not threatened with extinction but that might suffer a serious decline in number if trade is not restricted. Their trade is regulated by permit.
- Appendix III species: They are protected in at least one country that is a CITES member states and that has petitioned others for help in controlling international trade in that species.
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora):
- It is an international agreement between governments.
- Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
- It was signed on 3rd March, 1973 (Hence world wildlife day is celebrated on 3rd March).
- It is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- Secretariat — Geneva (Switzerland).
- CITES is legally binding on State parties to the convention, which are obliged to adopt their own domestic legislation to implement its goals.
Links:
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/indian-seeks-change-of-status-of-several-species-like-star-tortoise-otters-in-cites/article28917079.ece
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CITES