18th CoP of CITES, Geneva

GS-III: 18th CoP of CITES, Geneva

Context

Over a hundred nations approved a proposal by India, Nepal, and Bangladesh to prohibit commercial international trade in a species of otter native to the subcontinent and some other parts of Asia. India’s proposal to remove Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo) from Appendix II of the Convention is also under consideration.

Indian proposals

Members at the Conference have voted to move the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) from CITES Appendix II to CITES Appendix I because it is considered to be facing a high risk of extinction.
It is detrimentally affected by international trade, as well as habitat loss and degradation and persecution associated with the conflict with people (and fisheries).
The other proposal that was passed was to include the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) in CITES Appendix II.
The proposal on protecting the Tokay gecko mentioned threats from hunting and collection for use in traditional medicine.

About CITES

The CITES is an international agreement aimed at ensuring “that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival”.
CITES was drafted after a resolution was adopted at a meeting of the members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1963.
CITES entered into force on July 1, 1975, and now has 183 parties.
The Convention is legally binding on the Parties in the sense that they are committed to implementing it; however, it does not take the place of national laws.
India is a signatory to and has also ratified the CITES convention in 1976.

Source: Indian Express

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