CITES at 50: Key Outcomes from CoP20
Context
CITES marked 50 years at CoP20 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where member nations adopted species-protection decisions and discussed sustainable use, livelihood impacts, and wildlife trade governance.
About CITES
Definition of CITES
CITES is a legally binding treaty regulating international trade in wild fauna and flora to ensure it does not threaten species survival.
Historical Background
Conceived by IUCN in 1963, finalized in 1973 (Washington D.C.), and operational from 1 July 1975. It has 185 Parties (2025) and functions through Appendices I, II, III with graded trade controls.
Core Functions
Regulates wildlife trade through permits and certificates.
Maintains global species listings based on extinction risk.
Strengthens enforcement cooperation against illegal wildlife trade.
Promotes scientific assessment, sustainable use, and global coordination.
About CoP20 (2025)
Nature of CoP20
The 20th Conference of the Parties is a global decision-making platform held every 2–3 years to shape international wildlife trade policies.
Host Details
Hosted by Uzbekistan (Samarkand), marking the first CoP in Central Asia and commemorating 50 years of CITES.
Major Outcomes
New Species Listings and Uplistings
A total of 77 species were newly added to CITES Appendices.
Several marine species, including oceanic whitetip shark, whale shark, and all manta and devil rays, were placed in Appendix I.
Galápagos land iguanas and the marine iguana were added to Appendix I.
African reptiles like Home’s hinge-back tortoise were also uplisted.
Downlistings Due to Conservation Success
Saiga antelope (Kazakhstan) received flexible export provisions under Appendix II.
Guadalupe fur seal (Mexico) was downlisted from Appendix I to II after population recovery.
India’s Role
India opposed the EU proposal to list guggul (Commiphora wightii) in Appendix II, citing absence of adequate scientific assessment.
Conclusion
CoP20 reinforced the role of CITES as a central instrument in regulating wildlife trade, with significant species decisions and increased focus on sustainability, community livelihoods, and global cooperation. It also highlighted the growing involvement of countries like India in shaping science-based conservation decisions.
Source : Down To Earth