Course Description
This course will serve as an introduction to wildlife trade and corresponding issues, especially those surrounding The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other legislation. At the successful completion of this course, students will have an understanding of basic wildlife trade issues and concerns, including governance and controls (both nationally and internationally), legislation, and agreements regarding major industries such as timber and fisheries, as well as regulations surrounding plants. The second half of the semester will be dedicated to discussions of CITES, which is perhaps the most well-known treaty (international agreement between governments) to ensure international trade in animals and plants is carried out effectively, with no adverse effects to their survival. The student will have learned the history, internal structure, function, permitting provisions, listing process and Appendices of CITES, along with its successes and shortcomings, and visions for the future.