Go to Documents contents   Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

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 overexploitation 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.

The 12th Conference of Parties (COP12) to the CITES takes place in Santiago, Chile, from 3-15 November 2002.

Documents

What is CITES? This document gives quick information about CITES.

CITES information. This document, compiled by the CITES secretariat, provides detailed information about the Convention.

CITES and the African elephant: A chronological summary of decisions of the Conference of Parties in relation to the African elephant.

South Africa, CITES and the African elephant: South Africa's African elephant proposal to the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to CITES

South Africa and CITES: Sustainable use of biological resources



Media statements

"CITES green light for SA ivory stockpile sale", 12 November 2002

"SA will submit three proposals to CITES conference", 24 October 2002

"Southern Africa addresses European Parliament on resumption of ivory trade", 8 October 2002

"Draft proposals for CITES COP 12", 11 February 2002

"Public participation in preparation for CITES COP 12", 24 October 2001

Additional resources

Read the full text of the Convention

Visit the Cites website

Read more about South Africa's participation in international agreements, conventions, etc.