# Explain how the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) contributes to the conservation of biodiversity.

> IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus) — A4.2 Conservation of biodiversity · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. CITES is an international agreement that regulates or restricts trade in endangered species and their products
2. Species are listed in appendices according to their level of threat, with the most endangered (Appendix I) prohibited from commercial trade
3. By reducing illegal poaching / overharvesting, CITES helps prevent the decline or extinction of wild populations, thereby maintaining species diversity
4. CITES requires member countries to enforce trade controls at borders / issue permits, making the agreement effective across multiple nations and habitats

## Key terms

- [CITES](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cites)
- [endangered species](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/endangered-species)
- [international trade](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/international-trade)
- [biodiversity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/biodiversity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-convention-on-international-1c3e192b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.