CITES
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Environmental
| Stands for | Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an environmental abbreviation also used in organizations.
International agreement that regulates trade in wild animals and plants and their products, such as ivory, rhino horn, timber, orchids and live reptiles, to ensure trade does not threaten their survival. Species are listed in three appendices according to the level of protection.
Example: The shipment of rosewood was seized because it lacked the required CITES export permit.
Usage notes
CITES was signed in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 1973, now marked as World Wildlife Day, and took effect in 1975; nearly every country is a party. Appendix I bans commercial trade in species threatened with extinction, while Appendix II allows controlled trade. International commercial ivory trade was banned in 1989. Pronounced "SY-teez."
Related abbreviations
More environmental abbreviations
- BOD – Biochemical oxygen demand
- BREEAM – Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
- CCS – Carbon capture and storage
- CCUS – Carbon capture, utilization and storage
- CDR – Carbon dioxide removal
- CERCLA – Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
- CO2e – Carbon dioxide equivalent
- COD – Chemical oxygen demand
- COP – Conference of the Parties
- CR – Critically Endangered
- CSO – Combined sewer overflow
- DAC – Direct air capture