The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora commonly referred to as CITES, is an international agreement between governments whose primary aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the relevant species survival. The Signatories to the CITES convention, are collectively referred to as the Conference of the Parties: meets two to three years, to review the implementation of the Convention. The meetings of the Conference of Parties last for about two weeks and are usually hosted by one of the Parties.
