In 2017, World Wilde Fund for Nature (WWF) made a final call for the protection of the vaquita, the smallest known cetacean and a victim of the organ trade. The Washington Convention, or more commonly known as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), has been in force since 1975 and is one of the largest agreements on the conservation of wild fauna and flora. The main task of CITES is to ensure that the import and export of species and the control of trade do not endanger their status. 184 parties have ratified the Convention. The Convention regulates trade in species both on land and at sea.
In the face of increasing international trade and global demand for resources, CITIES are taking action to protect endangered species. The Washington Convention is based on international cooperation in monitoring and regulation. While the CITIES protect wildlife such as the red panda, western gorilla and tiger, they also focus on marine biodiversity. In total, 5,600 animal species and 30,000 plant species are protected by the CITIES.
Classification of endangered marine species:
In order to regulate the trade in species, the CITIES have 3 annexes which classify fauna and flora according to their degree of endangerment. The protection required is based on these categories.
– Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction, for which the import and export are prohibited, with strict exceptions (e.g. for scientific purposes).
– Appendix II: Species that are not in immediate danger of extinction, but whose trade must be strictly controlled to prevent it threatening their survival.
– Appendix III: species that are subject to national regulations in one country and for which international cooperation is needed to limit trade.
There are many factors that affect marine species, such as climate change, over fishing and illegal fishing. The Convention covers fish, corals, turtles and mammals. For example, the great white shark has been listed in Appendix II. Trade control is the responsibility of signatory countries, which must provide a certificate for each export or re-export. The number of certificates issued helps the authorities to control the trade and not to endanger the species. In addition, the delivered certificates are a proof of the legitimate trade and the condition of the treatment of the resources.
Coordination with other organizations
In order to act internationally, CITIES cooperates and aligns its policies with the International Whaling Commission (IWC). While the IWC acts on the hunting of whales, CITIES acts on the control of derived products. Moreover, whales, listed in the Appendicitis I (blue whale and humpback whale…) whaling is prohibited. For the other in Appendicitis II (Cuvier’s beaked whale), the Cities is a instrument to observe and regulate the whaling market.
Leigh Henry, Senior Policy Advisor for WWF, expressed how they see the CITIES: “This Convention is one of the best tools we have to fight international wildlife crime, and countries need to hold each other accountable to make it even more effective. “
Indeed, CITIES members meet every two to three years for a conference. Parties, but also observers such as United Nations agencies or other international conservation organizations (WWF, IWC) are present. WWF uses this opportunity to make its voice heard, as it can attend the meeting but cannot vote.
With this opportunity to make its voice heard, WWF said: “At CITES, WWF focuses on advocacy and promotion of issues related to the illegal trade in rhino horn, tiger parts and certain marine species.
Impact and challenges
Like any convention to protect endangered species, CITES faces some challenges. Many of the 184 Parties have difficulties in enforcing the law (China, India, Vietnam, Mexico). Countries such as the Philippines face very high levels of illegal fishing and lack of control. International cooperation is essential to work with smaller Parties or Parties in difficulty. In addition, climate crisis is affecting the sustainability, including the loss of natural habitats.
After some traditional hunts, countries can make a ” reservation ” for species. This unilateral declaration breaks the Convention’s tie to trade in a particular species listed in the Appendices. For the specific animal or plant, the country may trade it, but must include records of trade in these species in its annual reports.
On the list of reservations and for marine species, Denmark, Island and Japan are the most common. These countries have reserved species such as dolphins and whales.
Concerning the European Union, a new facility has been created, I-CITIES, which is available in all EU countries. This application contributes to a smoother management in the control. France has set an example in the protection of various species protected by the CITIES. For example, France has banned the hunting of whales, dolphins, sharks and turtles. Because of its extended territory in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, France encounters many different species. France also acts directly to protect corral and suppress illegal trade of protected animals, following its CITES agreement. For this reason, France stands out as a model among the other Parties. The French nation has gained in legitimacy and attracts environmental activists such as Paul Watson, protector of the whale, who has just asked for asylum in France.
