CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero. PHOTO/ National Committee on Ecology of Uzbekistan.
By SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
The 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) continued in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with a stirring speech by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero.
In her address, Higuero emphasised the urgency of global cooperation to combat wildlife trade and ensure the survival of endangered species. Hosted in Central Asia for the first time, the event marks a significant milestone in the international conservation effort.
“Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road, stands as a symbol of connection, exchange, and cooperation, values that are at the heart of CITES,” said Higuero, highlighting the city’s rich history as a crossroads of cultures and ideas, adding; “It is fitting that we gather here, in this city that has long been a hub of global dialogue, to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the protection of wildlife.”
This year’s conference holds even greater significance as CITES celebrates its 50th anniversary. Launched in 1975, the Convention has worked tirelessly to regulate international trade in endangered species, ensuring that trade does not threaten their survival.
Higuero noted that, despite decades of progress, “the pressures on wildlife have never been greater. Globalisation, shifting markets, and population growth are accelerating the threats to species across the globe.”
At the opening session, Higuero laid out the ambitious agenda for CITES CoP20, which includes discussions on over 250 species, from the endangered okapi and hyenas to aquatic species like sea cucumbers, eels, sharks, and rays. In total, 120 documents and 350 decisions are set to be debated, marking a critical moment in shaping the future of the Convention.
The Secretary-General also stressed the need for adequate funding to support the global conservation effort. “Without resources, we cannot implement our Programme of Work or effectively tackle the biodiversity crisis,” she warned. “The stakes could not be higher. The survival of species and the health of ecosystems for generations to come depend on our collective action.”
A poignant moment of the ceremony was the recognition of CITES Secretariat staff members who have been forced to leave due to budget constraints. “We honour their decades of service and dedication,” Higuero said, acknowledging the contributions of individuals who have shaped the Convention’s success over the years.
In a celebratory tone, Higuero also unveiled the winners of the CITES 50th Anniversary Photo Contest. Photographers Emerson Javier Medina Huamán, Piotr Naskrecki, Rui Kang Wang, and Izzy Sasada were recognised for their powerful images capturing the beauty and fragility of wildlife. Their works are now displayed at a special exhibition at the conference venue.
Looking forward, Higuero made a strong call for unity and multilateralism. “Our work today is a modern Silk Road—not for goods alone, but for knowledge, commitments, and action to safeguard life on Earth,” she said.
She also underscored the importance of partnerships with other environmental conventions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Ramsar Convention, as well as organisations like IUCN, TRAFFIC, and the International Consortium to Combat Wildlife Crime.
“The time for action is now,” Higuero concluded. “Together, we must strengthen CITES, advocate for sustainable wildlife trade, and ensure that future generations inherit a planet where biodiversity thrives.”
The conference, which will run for several days, brings together nearly 3,000 delegates from across the globe, all focused on forging solutions to safeguard the world’s most vulnerable species. The decisions made here will shape the course of international wildlife protection for decades to come.
