CITES Global Conference on Endangered Species Protection Kicks Off in Samarkand

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20) began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, convening a global forum to address rules governing the trade of biological resources.

The conference, which runs until 5 December, has drawn approximately 3,000 delegates from 185 countries to discuss global regulations on the trade of wildlife and flora.

CITES Secretary-General Yvonne Higuero described the upcoming session as one of the key environmental events of 2025 and one of the largest meetings in the organization's history. The agenda also includes the 79th and 80th meetings of the convention's Standing Committee.

According to the host country, the conference agenda features 114 points of discussion. Experts are expected to review nearly 150 draft regulatory documents and 51 proposals to update the lists of regulated species. Key discussion topics will focus on improving implementation mechanisms, protecting rare animals and plants, and strengthening international control over the use of natural resources.

Yvonne Higuero noted that Samarkand will become the global center for responsible trade discussions during the conference. She praised Tashkent's efforts in "green" development, calling them an example of integrating conservation measures into the state's strategic progress. In addition to plenary sessions, the conference will host over 110 thematic seminars and exhibitions.

The CITES Convention, an intergovernmental agreement operational since 1975, regulates the international trade of wild animals and plants to prevent threats to their survival. Today, the treaty includes the European Union and 184 nations, including Uzbekistan, which ratified the convention in 1997.