CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention, was negotiated in 1973 when it was realised that international trade in wildlife and wildlife products could lead to the over exploitation of certain species, thereby threatening them with extinction. CITES came into force in South Africa on 13 October 1975. South Africa together with the other 149 member countries, act by regulating and monitoring international trade in species which are or may be affected by this trade.

Why CITES is needed?

The decline of many species, caused by, amongst others, the loss of habitat and increased exploitation as human populations grow, created the need to regulate and monitor trade in wild fauna and flora.

Objective of CITES

The primary objective of CITES is the control of international trade in endangered species and their products.

How CITES works

International trade in species included in Appendices I, II, III is allowed in accordance with the provisions of CITES. The export and import of these species require the prior grant and presentation of a CITES permit. The permit shall only be granted when certain conditions have been met, such as:

• Export/import of species will not be detrimental to the survival of that species in the wild;
• Specimen was not obtained in contravention of the laws for the protection of fauna and flora of that State;
• The living specimen will be so prepared and shipped as to minimise the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment;
• In South Africa an import permit is required for all specimens including those on Appendix II and III.
  

Security stamps are used to prevent abuses, such as forgery.

Species are listed on three Appendices:

Appendix I Species threatened with extinction, which are or may be affected by international trade.

Appendix II Species not necessarliy now threatened, but may become so unless international trade is subject to strict regulations.

Appendix III Species which any Party identified as being subject to regulation within its jurisdiction for the purpose of preventing or restricting exploitation, and as needing the cooperation of other Parties in the control of international trade.

At the biennial meeting of the member States, the Conference of the Parties (COP), the work of the Convention is reviewed and changes to the Appendices of protected species are discussed. Species may then be listed on the Appendices, moved from one Appendix to another or removed from the Appendices.

Implementation

The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Convention and act as a channel of communication between South Africa, the CITES Secretariat and other Parties. The provincial authorities are responsible for implementing the Convention in their respective provinces.

At provincial level the local law enforcement units enforce legislation with regard to CITES. The Endangered Species Protection Unit (ESPU) of the South African Police Service deals with law enforcement regarding trade across international boundaries involving crime syndicates. The Chief Directorate of Marine and Coastal Management is responsible for introductions from the sea.

Monitoring the trade

On behalf of the CITES Secretariat, data on world trade in wildlife are collected and analysed by the World Conservation Centre (WCMC) as well as Trade Records Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC). Annual reports on international trade data, from all the member countries are send to the Secretariat. By monitoring the international trade closely, the Scientific Authority for CITES in each member country, is able to detect problem areas and prompt remedial action.

Achievements

CITES has brought a measure of control in international trade in wildlife. This control has steadily improved as action is taken to deal with inconsistencies revealed by the analysis of trade records.

Funding

The CITES Secretariat is financed by contributions from member States. South Africa makes an annual contribution of 20 584 Swiss Francs.

Additional funding is always needed for a wide range of special projects, such as the preparation of identification manuals to assist customs officers in recognising specimens of protected species.

Public Co-operation

The implementation of CITES needs the support and co-operation of the public. The Convention is not designed to ban all international trade in wildlife products, but to ensure that trade does not contribute to possible extinction of animals and plants. The public should be cautious in the purchase of wildlife and wildlife products and always ensure that what they buy is accompanied by the necessary permits.