CITES oficially known as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora,

 CITES oficially known as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is an international agreement between governments to regulate trade in endangered plants and animals, ensuring their survival in the wild. It works by implementing a system of permits and certificates for international trade in specimens of selected species. 

Key aspects of the CITES convention: 

International Agreement:

It is a treaty between governments to regulate trade in endangered species. 

Regulation of Trade:

CITES regulates international trade in over 38,000 species of plants and animals, including their products and derivatives. 

Permit System:

It uses a system of permits and certificates to authorize trade in specimens of species covered by the convention. 

Threatened Species Protection:

CITES aims to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of endangered species. 

Three Appendices:

Species are classified into three appendices with varying levels of protection, including Appendix I (most endangered), Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with survival), and Appendix III (trade regulated within a specific country). 

International Law:

The convention is a legally binding agreement, but it doesn't replace national laws; rather, it provides a framework for Parties to implement their own domestic legislation. 

Parties:

CITES has 184 member Parties that have signed the agreement. 

Secretariat:

The CITES Secretariat, hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), plays a coordinating and advisory role in implementing the convention. 

How CITES works:

Permits and Certificates:

Export permits or re-export certificates are required for trade in specimens of species covered by the convention. 

Trade Regulations:

The convention regulates export, re-export, import, and introduction from the sea of species covered by the convention. 

Strict Conditions:

Export permits are only issued if the specimen was legally obtained and if the export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. 

National Implementation:

Each Party must adopt its own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level.