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

One of the earliest international environmental treaties adopted was the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which seeks to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of any species of wild animal or plant. Although habitat loss is now generally considered to be the major reason for the decline in species, the taking of wild specimens for commercial purposes can also pose a significant threat. Rare and protected species and their parts and derivatives can become high value commodities. Illegal trade can run into the billions of dollars, second only to narcotics trafficking.

The United States was at the forefront of the global effort to control harmful wildlife trade. In early 1973, the United States convened a conference at the Department of State with 88 participating countries to negotiate a convention to control international trade in threatened species. Known to many as the "Washington Convention," CITES was signed by 21 countries in March 1973 and deposited with the Swiss government. The Convention came into force on July 1, 1975. Today, 158 countries are parties to CITES.

The Department of State actively supports CITES through funding for the core budget of the CITES Secretariat and participation at meetings of the Standing Committee, the Animals Committee and the Plants Committee and the triennial Conference of Parties. The Department of the Interior, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is the lead technical agency for the U.S. on CITES. OES works closely with the USFWS and other agencies to coordinate our policies on CITES issues before attending and making decisions at major meetings.