CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

CITES, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is an international agreement set up to protect endangered plants and animals from over-exploitation due to trade. It was established in 1973 and involves 183 countries. CITES regulates the trade of thousands of species by categorizing them in three appendices based on their risk of extinction. For species at high risk, trade is heavily restricted or banned. By controlling international trade, CITES aims to ensure that wildlife and plant species are conserved and sustainably used.