Explain how the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) contributes to the conservation of biodiversity.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
CITES is an international agreement that regulates or restricts trade in endangered species and their products.
Species are listed in appendices according to their level of threat, with the most endangered (Appendix I) prohibited from commercial trade.
By reducing illegal poaching and over‑harvesting, CITES helps prevent the decline or extinction of wild populations, thereby maintaining species diversity.
CITES requires member countries to enforce trade controls at borders and issue permits, making the agreement effective across multiple nations and habitats.
Species are listed in appendices according to their level of threat, with the most endangered (Appendix I) prohibited from commercial trade.
By reducing illegal poaching and over‑harvesting, CITES helps prevent the decline or extinction of wild populations, thereby maintaining species diversity.
CITES requires member countries to enforce trade controls at borders and issue permits, making the agreement effective across multiple nations and habitats.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact phrase ‘international agreement that regulates or restricts trade’ to gain the first point.
- Mention the three appendices and note that Appendix I is the most protected.
- Explain the link between reduced poaching and maintained species diversity.
- Show that enforcement at borders and permits are key to cross‑border effectiveness.
Common mistakes
- Confusing CITES with CITES‑II or other conventions.
- Losing the point about permits and border controls.
- Using vague terms like ‘protecting animals’ without citing trade regulation.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- CITES is an international agreement that regulates or restricts trade in endangered species and their products
- Species are listed in appendices according to their level of threat, with the most endangered (Appendix I) prohibited from commercial trade
- By reducing illegal poaching / overharvesting, CITES helps prevent the decline or extinction of wild populations, thereby maintaining species diversity
- CITES requires member countries to enforce trade controls at borders / issue permits, making the agreement effective across multiple nations and habitats
Key terms in this question
CITES · endangered species · international trade · biodiversity
Related
- All IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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