Can Legalizing Trade Save Endangered Species? An Investigation into the Conservation Merits of a Legal Market for CITES-prohibited Specimens

One of the most debated concepts in international conservation law is the legalization of trade in certain species to benefit their conservation. This article seeks to explore the weaknesses of international law before asking the question of whether legalization could succeed and how, The objective of this article is to thoroughly evaluate this and other potential resolutions to the present difficulties inherent in international conservation law and offer it's own conclusion to the best way forward. The focal legislation for this article is CITES and this will be the standard against alternative methods that shall be measured. These alternative methods range from national provisions to community based schemes to the primary option in this article - international legislation of trade.