This chapter examines the evolution of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), focusing on its regulatory framework, enforcement history and compliance challenges from its inception to 2023. Since the early 1970s, CITES has endeavoured to harmonise environmental protection with international trade, though its implementation has been hindered by political tensions and financial constraints. In its early decades, CITES relied on collaboration with NGOs, but struggled with limited resources and operational inefficiencies. The African elephant crisis of the 1990s exposed critical shortcomings in enforcement, prompting calls for more robust monitoring mechanisms. In response, the Wildlife Enforcement Monitoring System (WEMS) was developed to enhance data collection on illegal wildlife trade. Despite its potential, CITES initially rejected WEMS due to concerns over ideological differences with preservationist NGOs. Conversely, the Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF) member countries embraced WEMS, recognising its value in strengthening enforcement and fostering transparency. This chapter explores how these divergent responses reflect broader tensions within international environmental governance. It also critically assesses the shifting dynamics of CITES’ enforcement strategies and their implications for future compliance. Ultimately, the future of CITES hinges on its ability to reconcile political divides and integrate innovative solutions like WEMS into its framework.