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- The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments entered into force in 1975, and became the only treaty to ensure that international trade in plants and animals does not threaten their survival in the wild.
- Currently 176 countries are Parties to CITES
CITES is administered through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Protecting Species from Unsustainable Trade
- Species for which trade is controlled are listed in one of three Appendices to CITES, each conferring a different level of regulation and requiring CITES permits or certificates.
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Appendix 1
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- Includes species threatened with extinction and provides the greatest level of protection, including restrictions on commercial trade. • Examples include gorillas, sea turtles, most lady slipper orchids, and giant pandas.
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Appendix 2Â
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- Includes species that although currently not threatened with extinction, may become so without Trade controls. It also includes species that resemble other listed species and need to be regulated in order to effectively control the trade in those other listed species.
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Appendix 3Â
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- Includes species for which a range country has asked other Parties to help in controlling International trade. Examples include map turtles, walruses and Cape stag beetles COP13, these meeting were held every two years; since then, CoPs are held every three years.2013,( in Bangkok)
- COP 16 is scheduled to occur from March 3-14,
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