What is the CITES treaty primarily aimed at combating?

The CITES treaty, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is specifically designed to protect threatened and endangered species by regulating and monitoring international trade in wildlife and plants. The primary aim of CITES is to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of these species in the wild.

By establishing lists of species that are to be protected, CITES works to combat poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, which can decimate populations of critical species. The treaty requires member countries to work together to enforce regulations and to prevent trade that could lead to the decline of these species.

While other environmental issues, such as global warming, deforestation, and ocean pollution, are significant concerns, they fall outside the specific focus of CITES. The treaty is not designed to address those broader environmental challenges directly; instead, its mandate is firmly rooted in the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of wildlife resources.