World Wildlife Conference in Samarkand: Big Decisions Ahead for Global Species Protection

As the 20th World Wildlife Conference (CITES CoP20) in Samarkand reaches its halfway point, momentum is building toward major decisions that could redefine global wildlife trade regulations for years to come.

With issues spanning big cats, rare trees, medicinal plants, sharks, sea cucumbers and more, countries are working through an ambitious agenda that blends science, diplomacy and conservation priorities.

A Global Gathering With High Stakes

Nearly 3,400 participants—including almost 1,000 government representatives from 163 Parties—have converged in Samarkand.

Joined by observer groups, media, and local stakeholders, they have already tackled 105 agenda items, reaching consensus on many while voting 29 times where needed. More than 50 side events have added depth through new e-learning releases, sustainability tools, and cross-agency crime-fighting updates.

CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero praised the “energy and commitment” driving negotiations, urging Parties to maintain a spirit of cooperation ahead of the final plenary on 4–5 December, where decisions for the next three years will be cemented.

Committee I: Species in the Spotlight

Committee I has dived deep into species-related matters, beginning with African carnivores—lions, leopards, cheetahs, vultures, and others under the CITES–CMS African Carnivores Initiative. Proposals on giraffe, okapi, saiga antelope, dorcas gazelle and various plant species have also taken center stage.

Key Decisions So Far

• Plant Protection Gains:

  • Chilean palm uplisted to Appendix I (full protection).

  • Two ponytail palms and four aloe species added to Appendix II.

  • Proposals on guggul, African padauk, red doussié, and Parlatore’s podocarp were rejected.

• Shark & Ray Breakthroughs:

  • Manta rays and whale sharks approved for Appendix I.

  • Oceanic whitetip shark added after a vote.

  • School sharks and gulper sharks included in Appendix II.

• Sea Cucumbers:

  • Golden sandfish listed under Appendix II.

  • A broader proposal covering six more species was rejected but new conservation workstreams were adopted.

• Eel Decisions:

  • Proposal to include all anguillid eels in Appendix II was not accepted.

  • However, a new Resolution applicable to all anguillid eels was adopted.

Committee II: Strengthening Policy, Governance & Cooperation

Committee II tackled the backbone of the Convention—implementation, finance, compliance and global cooperation.

Highlights Include:

• Advancing work on zoonotic disease risk mitigation, reflecting the growing importance of One Health approaches.

• Integrating references to the new marine biodiversity agreement for areas beyond national jurisdiction.

• Adoption of a draft gender action plan.

• Progress on indigenous peoples and local communities, with guidance set to be published on the CITES website.

• Key debates on livelihoods, deferred pending more documents.

Elephants, Ivory & Enforcement

Elephant issues remain a flashpoint:

• The Committee renewed support for MIKE and ETIS monitoring systems.

• Agreed on stronger measures for unsecured stockpiles.

• Outdated provisions such as mammoth ivory exemptions were retired.

• Proposed stricter rules on closing domestic ivory markets did not move forward.

On species-specific enforcement:

• Strengthened measures against illegal totoaba trade.

• Expanded strategies for Asian big cats, cheetahs, and jaguars.

• Continued discussions on saiga antelope.

The Road Ahead: Pushing Toward Plenary Decisions

As the conference enters its second week on 2 December, both Committees face a substantial remaining workload. Delegates must finalize decisions and amendments before the closing plenary on 4–5 December, followed by the Standing Committee’s 80th meeting, which will outline intersessional work up to CoP21.

A Moment of Shared Purpose

Halfway through CoP20, one message stands out clearly: global cooperation is not just alive—it is driving real progress.

With wildlife populations under unprecedented pressure, the decisions taken in Samarkand over the next few days could mark a turning point for the world’s most threatened species and the communities that depend on them.

If this collaborative energy continues, CoP20 may well become a landmark in shaping a more sustainable future for people and the planet.