With less than 100 days to go, the excitement is building for the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20) in Uzbekistan. Scheduled from November 24 to December 5, 2025, this conference aims to gather experts from around the world to discuss vital wildlife conservation issues.
The host country recently revealed the theme for this milestone event: “CITES at 50 in Samarkand: Bridging Nature and People.” This theme celebrates a significant anniversary while highlighting Samarkand’s historical importance as a cultural crossroads.
Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Aziz Abdukhakimov, shared the deeper meaning of this slogan. He stated, “This is more than a slogan. It encapsulates our vision for the future—where conservation is not seen as separate from people, but as a shared path forward.” This perspective echoes a growing understanding among conservationists that effective environmental initiatives must involve local communities.
CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero echoed this sentiment. She noted that the slogan captures the spirit of collaboration that defines CITES, bringing together 184 countries and the European Union around shared conservation goals. Sounds straightforward, right? But these discussions have real implications for how we address wildlife crime and climate change.
The conference comes at a crucial time. Recent studies have revealed alarming statistics about wildlife populations. According to the World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report 2022, wildlife populations have plunged by an average of 69% since 1970. With issues like habitat loss and climate change intensifying, the decisions made in Samarkand will shape global wildlife policy for years to come.
The artwork and branding for CoP20 blend natural symbols with Samarkand’s iconic architecture, illustrating the link between biodiversity and sustainable practices. Surrounding these discussions are unique species such as the Caspian monitor lizard and the Turkestan lynx, emphasizing Central Asia’s role in global conservation efforts.
As the countdown continues, proposals for amendments to the CITES Appendices have already been submitted, and the agenda is forming. Samarkand is preparing to welcome a diverse group united by a common goal: to ensure a future where wildlife thrives, benefiting both nature and people.
In a world where conservation is increasingly urgent, this gathering in Uzbekistan is more than an event; it’s a pivotal moment for wildlife, communities, and our planet.
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CITES COP20,Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),Uzbekistan