Convention on Nature Protection and Wild Life Preservation in the Western Hemisphere

Signed at Washington, DC (USA), 1940; entered into force in 1942

Commonly known as the Western Hemisphere Convention, this treaty's stated objective is to preserve all species and genera of native American fauna and flora from extinction, and also preserve areas of wild and human value. Provisions include the establishment of national parks and reserves (article 2), strict wilderness areas to remain inviolate (article 4), protection of species listed in the annexes which are declared to be of "special urgency and importance" (article 8), and controls on trade in protected fauna and flora and any part thereof (article 9). Five species of marine turtle are listed.