CoP 19 to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Why is in news? India’s conservation efforts towards tortoise and turtles lauded in CITES CoP 19 at Panama

The 19th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP 19) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is being held at Panama City from 14th November to 25th November 2022.

At CoP 19, India’s proposal for induction of fresh water turtle Batagur kachuga earned wide support of the parties in CoP 19 of CITES. It was widely appreciated by the parties and well accepted when introduced.

Operation Turtshield – Operation for curbing crimes like poaching and illegal trade against tortoise and turtles, initiated by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

At CITES CoP 19, India reiterated its commitment regarding conserving tortoises and fresh water turtles in the country.

India also highlighted that many of the species of turtles and freshwater tortoises which are recognized as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or near threatened are already included in Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and given high degree of protection

India while intervening pressed upon that listing of many such species in CITES Appendix II will further enhance the protection of the species from getting indiscriminately and illegally traded worldwide.

CoP of CITES:

At CoP of CITES, also known as the World Wildlife Conference, all 184 Parties to CITES have the right to attend, to put forward proposals for the Conference to consider, and to vote on all decisions.

52 proposals have been put forward so far that would affect the regulations on international trade for: sharks, reptiles, hippos, songbirds, rhinos, 200 tree species, orchids, elephants, turtles and more.

CITES:

CITES is an international agreement to which States and regional economic integration organizations adhere voluntarily.

Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties – in other words they have to implement the Convention – it does not take the place of national laws.

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention) is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals from the threats of international trade.

It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The convention was opened for signature in 1973 and CITES entered into force on 1 July 1975.

Its aim is to ensure that international trade (import/export) in specimens of animals and plants included under CITES, does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild.

This is achieved via a system of permits and certificates. CITES affords varying degrees of protection to more than 38,000 species.

Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland