The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was adopted in Washington in 1973 to regulate and monitor the global trade of wildlife and plant species. Today, CITES governs trade in approximately 5,000 animal species and 28,000 plant species across 184 participating countries, ensuring that international commerce does not threaten their survival.
To uphold conservation efforts, each member country is required to submit annual reports detailing the volumes of CITES-listed species that were exported and imported. These reports serve as the foundation for monitoring global trade patterns, assessing the sustainability of species populations, and determining whether additional protective measures are needed. Through this structured reporting and regulatory framework, CITES plays a crucial role in protecting endangered species from overexploitation while promoting legal and sustainable trade practices.
