National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Over the course of two weeks, representatives of governments, international organisations, research institutions and civil society discussed key issues related to international trade in wild fauna and flora. The volume of documentation reviewed was the largest in the history of the Convention. Delegates examined around 120 documents, discussed more than 350 proposals and initiatives, and considered approximately 250 species — significantly exceeding the average indicators of previous CoP meetings. This scale of work reflects a deep level of international engagement and the growing urgency of addressing illegal wildlife trade.

The conference resulted in a number of historic decisions. Protection was strengthened for more than 70 species of sharks and rays, including the whale shark, manta rays and devil rays. Measures were expanded to regulate trade in rare reptiles and several mammal species that are threatened by illegal trade. Updated approaches were adopted to enhance the effectiveness of CITES Standing Committees and to strengthen compliance and enforcement mechanisms under the Convention.

A key political outcome of CoP20 was the signing by the Central Asian countries of the Samarkand Declaration and the Action Plan on Regional Cooperation in Nature Conservation for 2026–2032. These documents are aimed at reinforcing joint efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, conserve biodiversity, develop scientific cooperation and strengthen transboundary collaboration across the region.

For Uzbekistan, the conference became a platform for important achievements. Agreements were signed with UNDP and IUCN on the implementation of the project “Integrated Management and Restoration of Valuable Landscapes” amounting to 6.6 million US dollars, as well as with FAO on four grant projects totalling 18 million US dollars and an additional project on the restoration of degraded land worth 1.2 million US dollars. The country also presented its first National Ramsar Strategy and the first Atlas of Environmental Change; established the CITES CoP20 Green Park; and organised a series of cultural and environmental events, including the 4th International Sculpture Symposium and the exhibition “Ecology: Unique Gifts of Nature in Painting”. Uzbekistan also contributed to the development of around 300 conference decisions and to the inclusion of 77 new species of fauna and flora in the CITES Appendices.

In his closing remarks, the Chair of the Conference and Advisor to the Minister of Ecology, Alisher Salomov, stressed that hosting CoP20 in Samarkand was a historic moment for Central Asia. He noted that Samarkand has traditionally been a centre of international dialogue and, under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is once again consolidating its role as a venue for major global environmental initiatives. A. Salomov expressed his gratitude to the delegates for their active engagement and underlined that the more than 110 side events held during CoP20 provided a valuable platform for exchanging experience and developing practical solutions. He also affirmed that Uzbekistan will continue to implement the Samarkand Declaration and the 2026–2032 Action Plan, further strengthening cooperation with international partners, civil society and the scientific community.

For reference: the holding of more than 110 side events exceeded the indicators of previous conferences and created the most substantial expert platform in the history of CITES.

One of the symbols of the conference was the “CITES CoP20 Green Park” established by participants — a green space that will serve as the environmental legacy of the conference and a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect nature.

In accordance with the decision of the Parties, the next 21st meeting of the CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP21) will be held in Panama, where countries will continue discussions on further steps to protect wild fauna and flora and to regulate international trade in species threatened with extinction.