CITES

Quick Facts: Who was CITES?

Subject:

CITES

Known for:

Multilateral treaty safeguarding international trade in endangered flora and fauna.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

CITES (shorter acronym for the 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.

Career & Major Achievements

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 40,900 species.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

As of December 2024, the Secretary-General of CITES is Ivonne Higuero. CITES is one of the largest and oldest conservation and sustainable use agreements in existence. There are three working languages of the convention (English, French and Spanish) in which all documents are made available.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1963: 1963 Milestone — 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).
2. 1973: 1973 Milestone — The convention was opened for signature in 1973 and CITES entered into force on 1 July 1975.
3. 2024: 2024 Milestone — As of December 2024, the Secretary-General of CITES is Ivonne Higuero.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: CITES

True or False: “True or False: CITES only regulates the trade of mammals and does not cover flora.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. CITES is a comprehensive treaty that protects both endangered flora (plants) and fauna (animals) from the threats of international trade.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abd el-Krim — Historical peer (Died in 1963) (1963): Moroccan revolutionary leader who spearheaded the revolt against French and Spanish Protectorates.
• Abdul Ghani Baradar — Historical peer (Born in 1963) (1963): Afghan politician and religious leader; co-founder of the Taliban.
• A. S. Neill — Historical peer (Died in 1973) (1973): Scottish progressive educator, founder of Summerhill, championing self-governance.
• Abebe Bikila — Historical peer (Died in 1973) (1973): Ethiopian Olympic marathon champion, known for his barefoot victories in Rome and Tokyo.
• 50 Cent — Historical peer (Born in 1975) (1975): Iconic rapper, actor, and entrepreneur known for raw storytelling and business acumen.
• Alex Rodriguez — Historical peer (Born in 1975) (1975): Legendary former MLB star, A-Rod, transitioned into a powerful sports and business mogul.
• Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud — Historical peer (Died in 2024) (2024): Somaliland politician, served as President from 2010 to 2017.
• Akira Toriyama — Historical peer (Died in 2024) (2024): Pioneering manga artist, creator of Dr. Slump and the global phenomenon, Dragon Ball.

Frequently Asked Questions about CITES