Analysis of CITES Convention on International Trade and Principles

This essay provides an overview of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and its relationship to several key environmental principles. It explains how CITES addresses the need for economic incentives to promote the sustainable use of wild flora and fauna. The essay specifically examines the application of 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' highlighting how different countries have varying endangered species within their borders, necessitating tailored protection laws. Furthermore, it discusses CITES' alignment with the 'duty to prevent transboundary harm,' emphasizing the responsibility of nations to protect endangered species that may cross jurisdictional boundaries. The precautionary principle is also explored, noting how CITES allows states to proactively implement measures to prevent species extinction. Finally, the essay connects CITES to the 'polluter pays principle,' explaining the convention's authority to hold states accountable for excessive pollution and require compensation for environmental degradation. This document is available on Desklib, where you can find more resources and study tools.

Running Head: CITES
CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FLORA AND FAUNA
ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES
System04128
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is an international
agreement that came into force on 1st July 1975. CITES gives significance to the need of
monetary motivators to energize sustainable use of wild flora and fauna. Projects are being
built up that add to the sustainable utilization of commercially species which are misused are
mentioned in the CITES (Anon., 2019).
Common but differentiated responsibilities
This principle states that states/countries have same responsibilities but they have to act
differently. This principle is applicable on CITES. The common goal is the protection of
endangered species of flora and fauna and in every country’s geographical area; there are
different species, which are endangered. These countries will give make laws to give
protection to respective endangered species.

CITES
Duty to prevent Transboundary harm
According to this principle, states have responsibility to prevent, control and decrease the risk
of environmental harm to other country/state (Anon., 2019). The said principle is applicable
on CITES because the nature of plants and animals is trans boundary so it is a duty of other
nations to give protection to endangered animals and plants which comes in their jurisdiction.
Precautionary Principle
This principle lays that if a threat is foreseeable then state has responsibility to implement
best cost effective methods to prevent or minimise the threat. In CITES this principle is
directly applicable. States can make a list of species which are on the verge of extinction and
make strict laws and measures to prevent the extinction.
Polluter Pays Principle
This principle makes state responsible that produces pollution and asks them to pay
compensation for degrading the environment. The said principle is applicable on CITES as
CITES have authority to hold responsible the states which are producing pollution more than
the limit is set and accountable for paying the compensation.
Bibliography
Anon., 2019. Access information on Multilateral Environmental Agreements. [Online] Available at:
https://www.informea.org/en/terms/no-harm-rule [Accessed 10 April 2019].
Anon., 2019. BioTrade Policy Framework. [Online] Available at:
https://unctad.org/en/Pages/DITC/Trade-and-Environment/BioTrade/BT-Policy.aspx [Accessed 10
April 2019].

CITES