The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) marks 50 years of its adoption in 2023 (signed in March 1973) and 50 years of its entry into force in 2025 (effective from July 1, 1975). Over five decades, CITES has evolved into one of the most influential legally binding global agreements working to regulate international wildlife trade and prevent species extinction.

Background

CITES was established in response to growing global concern that unchecked international trade was pushing numerous species toward extinction.  It was proposed by the IUCN in 1963 and formally adopted in 1973 in Washington D.C. It came into force on 1 July 1975.Today, it includes 185 member countries (Parties) and regulates trade in over 38,000 species of animals and plants.

India became a Party to CITES in 1976 and has since aligned its wildlife protection laws and enforcement mechanisms with the convention’s mandates.

It uses three Appendices (I, II, III) to categorize species with varying degrees of trade regulation.

How CITES Works

CITES controls international trade through a system of permits and certificates,   strengthens enforcement against illegal trafficking and listing species in three Appendices based on their conservation status:

• Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction; trade permitted only in exceptional cases (e.g., tiger, Asian elephant).
• Appendix II: Species not necessarily threatened but may become so without controlled trade.
• Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country that requests CITES assistance for trade regulation.

India’s Role Over the Years

India has been a vocal advocate for strict wildlife trade regulations and has taken several major steps:

• Strengthening the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to align with CITES resolutions.
• Setting up the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) for coordinated enforcement.
• Leading global efforts against illegal trade in tiger parts, ivory, rhino horn, and pangolins.
• Introducing digital permitting systems like e-CITES to streamline regulation.

Key Achievements of CITES Over 50 Years

• Helped curb the commercial trade of ivory, offering crucial protection to African and Asian elephants.
• Played a major role in the recovery of species like the Nile crocodile through regulated trade and sustainable use.
• Restricted international trade in timber species such as mahogany and rosewood, curbing illegal logging.
• Fostered global cooperation against transnational wildlife trafficking networks.

CITES CoP20 (2025): Highlights

What is CoP20?
The 20th Conference of the Parties is the main decision-making forum of CITES, held every 2–3 years to shape global policies on wildlife trade.

Host:

• Conducted in Samarkand, Uzbekistan — the first CITES CoP held in Central Asia.
• Coincided with the 50th anniversary of CITES.

Key Outcomes:

1. Species Additions and Uplistings

• 77 species newly added to CITES Appendices.
• Several shark and ray species (e.g., oceanic whitetip, whale shark, all manta and devil rays) upgraded to Appendix I.
• Three Galápagos land iguanas and the marine iguana were moved to Appendix I.
• Home’s hinge-back tortoise and other African reptiles also uplisted to Appendix I.

2. Downlistings Due to Conservation Gains

• Saiga antelope (Kazakhstan) downlisted from Appendix II with relaxed export controls.
• Guadalupe fur seal (Mexico) moved from Appendix I to Appendix II.

3. India’s Intervention

• India successfully opposed the EU proposal to list guggul (Commiphora wightii) in Appendix II, citing insufficient scientific evidence.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its achievements, CITES faces several challenges:

• Rising illegal wildlife trade valued at over USD 20 billion annually.
• Slow pace of decision-making due to varying national priorities.
• Emerging threats such as online wildlife trafficking and climate change.
• Pressure from some nations to reopen trade in products like ivory and rhino horn.

Relevance for UPSC

CITES is frequently mentioned in the Prelims, GS Paper 3 (Environment & Biodiversity), and Essays. Key areas of focus include:

• Appendices classifications
• India’s commitments and enforcement mechanisms
• Relations with the Wildlife Protection Act
• Global biodiversity governance

As CITES completes five decades, its continued relevance is unquestionable. In an era of accelerating biodiversity loss, the convention remains a critical pillar of global conservation diplomacy—urging nations to balance sustainable development with the protection of Earth’s most vulnerable species.

UPSC MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

1. “As CITES completes 50 years, it continues to remain a cornerstone of global biodiversity governance.” Examine the achievements and persistent challenges of CITES in the context of rising illegal wildlife trade. (15 marks, 250 words)

2. Critically analyse India’s role and performance as a Party to CITES over the last four decades. How far have domestic legislations and institutions strengthened compliance? (15 marks, 250 words)

3. The 50-year journey of CITES highlights the delicate balance between conservation and sustainable use. Do you think CITES regulations need reform to remain effective in the next 50 years? Suggest measures. (10 marks, 150 words)