Because
either there are few specimens or they are threatened by
changes in environmental or predation parameters. Although
there are natural causes for extinction – such as natural
predators, epidemics or natural disasters – the effects
of human actions are currently the main factor for the loss
of biodiversity. As individual country actions would be
insufficient to halt the loss of biodiversity, it is essential
that initiatives to respond to this situation are taken
collectively by the international community.
Several treaties are aimed at the conservation and the sustainable
use of biodiversity. Among the conventions that provide
the legal framework for the especial treatment of species
threatened with extinction are the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),
the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation
of Sea Turtles (IAC), the Convention on the Conservation
of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Agreement
on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP).
The Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
– to which Brazil has been a Party since 1975 and which
already has 169 state Parties – regulates the international
trade of wild fauna and flora and provides for a system
of certificates and licenses to control trade in endangered
species. CITES regulations apply only to international trade
and not other factors threatening biodiversity, such as
illegal trade within national boundaries.
The three Appendices to
CITES list the species protected by the agreement, ranked
according to the threat degree to which they are subjected.
Appendix I includes endangered species, whose trade will
only be allowed in exceptional circumstances. Appendix II
lists species not necessarily threatened with extinction,
but whose trade must be controlled in order to prevent uses
that are incompatible with their survival. Appendix III
lists species that are protected in at least one country
and that has requested assistance to other Convention signatories
to control their trade. Overall, the different protection
levels extend to more than 35,000 species of plants and
animals.
The Inter-American Convention
for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (IAC/CIT),
ratified by Brazil in 2001, aims to "promote the protection,
conservation and recovery of sea turtle populations and
their habitats, relying on the best available scientific
data taking into consideration the environmental, socioeconomic
and cultural characteristics of all parties".
Brazil
is a signatory to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses
and Petrels (ACAP), an instrument signed under the Convention
on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(CMS or Bonn Convention) – a treaty under which are negotiated
binding agreements and memoranda of understanding, on a
global or regional basis, in regards to specific species.
In force since 1983, the CMS currently counts on 119 party
States. Brazil expects to adhere to the Convention in the
near future. (MMA)
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