CITES 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) opened on 24 November in Samarkand, following the Standing Committee meeting on 23 November. From the outset, it was evident that this would be a demanding conference. Early interventions revealed significant divisions on African elephant management, hunting trophies, livelihoods and the wider role of sustainable use within the Convention.

The CIC delegation, comprising Director General Arno Wimpffen, Director of Communications and Public Affairs Tristan Breijer, Senior Policy Coordinator Alexandra Kalandarishvili and International Policy Advisor and former Director General Sebastian Winkler, has been present throughout the CoP so far, engaging consistently with parties and partners to support science-based decision-making and ensure that practical conservation experience is represented at every stage of negotiation.

During the opening days, the CIC continued a previously established series of bilateral meetings with the Governments of Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom, as well as discussions with European Union representatives, African Parties, and Central Asian delegations. These engagements have helped clarify national positions, identify shared priorities and maintain constructive dialogue around complex proposals.

The CIC organised a side event on Wildlife Economy that focused on innovative solutions to prevent overexploitation, encourage the legal and sustainable use of wild species, and enhance biodiversity conservation while addressing the drivers and impacts of illegal trade. Experts from various sectors shared insights, strategies, and tools to promote legal, sustainable wildlife use that connects conservation outcomes with livelihoods and broader global objectives.

A major moment of the conference so far was the joint reception hosted by the CIC and twelve Sustainable Use Organisations, bringing together more than 170 delegates from 52 countries. The reception provided a vital opportunity for informal diplomacy. Director Brian Nesvik, Head of the United States Delegation, addressed attendees and affirmed the importance of cooperation and evidence-based wildlife management. Senior representatives from China, Kazakhstan, the European Union and numerous African and Latin American Parties also participated, highlighting the broad relevance of sustainable use within global conservation policy.

Emerging Outcomes at CoP20

Positive Developments

•  CoP20 adopted the amended proposal by Kazakhstan, requesting to remove the Zero Export Quota from the saiga populations of Kazakhstan, which would allow Kazakhstan to sustainably trade Saiga horns with trusted Parties. This marked a significant success for Central Asia.
• Tajikistan’s proposal to uplist the striped hyena was rejected by the CoP due to insufficient evidence of international trade being the major threat to the species, preserving an appropriate balance between conservation needs and sustainable use.
• The EU proposal to list all Anguilla spp. in Appendix II was defeated, despite strong conservation arguments.

Setbacks and Challenges

• Proposals from several Southern African states to adjust trade provisions for rhinoceros’ horn, ivory and certain elephant populations were rejected in secret ballots.
• African unity has weakened on key elephant-related issues, increasing pressure on range states during negotiations.
• Zimbabwe’s proposal to establish a new Standing Committee subcommittee for communities living alongside wildlife was not supported.
• Zambia’s livelihood proposal did not advance after extensive debate, reflecting continued political sensitivity around trade and community benefit.

These outcomes underscore broader political pressures that do not always recognise the realities of community-centred conservation.

Despite the challenges, coordination among sustainable use organisations has been exemplary, ensuring coherent messaging across negotiating rooms. The CIC delegation will maintain its engagement throughout the final days of the meeting, supporting Parties, countering misinformation and reinforcing the need for science-based and community-led approaches to wildlife conservation.

CITES CoP20 has already demonstrated the increasing importance of responsible management and the wildlife economy in international conservation policy. The CIC remains committed to ensuring that these perspectives inform the remaining negotiations until the conference closes on 5 December.

Media Contact:

Tristan Breijer MBA FRGS FRSA MCIJ
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
Email: tristan.breijer@cic-wildlife.org
Mobile: +44 781 408 7423
Website: www.cic-wildlife.org