Samarkand Prepares to Host CITES COP20: What to Expect from the Key International Conservation Forum

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Less than a week remains until one of the most significant environmental events of 2025.

From 24 November to 5 December, the 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES COP20) will take place at the Silk Road Samarkand tourist complex.

Delegations from more than 180 countries are expected to arrive in Samarkand. During the event, participants will address strategic issues related to biodiversity conservation, the improvement of regulatory mechanisms for the trade in rare species, and the further strengthening of international cooperation in environmental protection.

The conference program promises to be comprehensive and diverse. In the opening days, plenary sessions will be held alongside a series of thematic sessions focusing on the protection of endangered species, the adoption of modern wildlife monitoring technologies, enhancing the effectiveness of sustainable natural resource management, and discussion of new legislative initiatives.

A key highlight will be the presentation of the Samarkand Declaration. Special attention will be given to combating illegal wildlife trade, the conservation of leopards and saigas, and the implementation of nature-based solutions to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

The conference will also mark the launch of the GEF-8 project, aimed at restoring Uzbekistan’s ecosystems.

In the following days, participants will continue discussions on transboundary conservation initiatives, covering sharks, elephants, pangolins, marine species, and the rare felines of Central Asia. Presentations of national strategies, including Uzbekistan’s updated Ramsar Strategy, committee sessions, scientific panels, and award ceremonies are also scheduled.

The closing stage of the forum will focus on integrating habitat quality criteria into national and international sustainable development strategies, as well as practical measures for rhino protection and strengthening conservation networks.

Hosting CITES COP20 in Samarkand is seen as an important step in consolidating global efforts to protect wildlife and demonstrates the international community’s readiness to jointly address the environmental challenges of our time.