Published: 9 December 2025Down to EarthEnvironment
CITES Turns 50 — CoP20 Held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, making it one of the longest-standing multilateral environmental agreements in history. Established in 1973 in Washington D.C. and entering into force on 1 July 1975, CITES now has 183 member parties and regulates trade in over 38,000 species of plants and animals.
The 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) is scheduled to be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan — marking the first time a CITES CoP is held in Central Asia, a region through which significant wildlife trade corridors pass. India became a CITES signatory in 1976, just one year after the convention came into force, reflecting early commitment to biodiversity protection.
India's wildlife portfolio under CITES is extensive. The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), and snow leopard (Panthera uncia) are all listed under Appendix I, which bans commercial trade. CITES protections have helped India's tiger population grow from approximately 1,411 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2022 per the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
CoP20 is expected to be contentious. The central debate pits the sustainable-use camp — countries arguing regulated trade can fund conservation — against protectionists who advocate complete bans. Southern African nations have long sought to re-open ivory and rhino horn trade, citing local economic needs, while India and most Asian nations oppose such moves citing spillover poaching risks.
For Rajasthan RPSC aspirants, CITES is directly relevant to Project Tiger reserves (Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra Hills), Asiatic lion conservation, and the Great Indian Bustard — for which India has sought stronger CITES protections given power-line mortality risks in the Thar Desert.
0Mains angle
Q: Examine the significance of CITES' 50th anniversary and CoP20 in Samarkand for India's biodiversity conservation efforts, especially Rajasthan's Project Tiger reserves.
Answer (50 words):
CITES, established in 1973 and effective from 1 July 1975, marked its 50th anniversary in 2025 with 183 members regulating trade in over 38,000 species. CoP20 will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. India, a signatory since 1976, protects Bengal tigers — rising from 1,411 (2006) to 3,682 (2022) — under Appendix I.
6-axis classification
CoverageInternationalSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceDown to Earth
Frequently asked questions
When was CITES established and when did it enter into force?
CITES was established in 1973 in Washington D.C. and entered into force on 1 July 1975. It now has 183 member parties regulating trade in over 38,000 species.
When did India join CITES?
India became a CITES signatory in 1976, one year after the convention came into force, reflecting early commitment to wildlife trade regulation.
Which Indian species are listed under CITES Appendix I?
Key Indian species under Appendix I (commercial trade banned) include the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, snow leopard, greater one-horned rhinoceros, and the Great Indian Bustard.
Where is CoP20 being held and why is it significant?
CoP20 is scheduled in Samarkand, Uzbekistan — the first CITES CoP in Central Asia, a region through which significant wildlife trade corridors pass.
What is the central debate at CoP20?
The main tension is between countries favouring sustainable use (regulated trade to fund conservation) and those seeking strict bans, particularly around ivory, rhino horn, and timber.
