11 Feb 2025 Wildlife Trade: Preparations well underway for global conference (CITES CoP20)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) held its 78th Standing Committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. This meeting featured an extensive agenda, with 127 working documents across 87 agenda items in preparation for the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP20) in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan, the Upcoming Host of CITES CoP20, Unveils Official Logo
CITES agreement holds particular significance for hunters, especially regarding the movement of certain hunting trophies (e.g. import, export and re-export). FACE, alongside its partners, including Safari Club International (SCI), Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF), the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), and Conservation Force, monitored and advocated for hunting and conservation on critical matters. Key agenda items at this meeting were, among others, the role of CITES in reducing the risk of future zoonotic disease, the CITES Strategic Vision, the Review of Significant Trade, the engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities and CITES dialogue meeting for African Elephant Range States.
Throughout the meeting, FACE attended side-events and had the opportunity to engage with stakeholders and government representatives, including EU delegates, fostering meaningful discussions. On the evening of Thursday, February 6th, FACE co-hosted a well-attended reception for the delegates, creating a valuable opportunity for attendees to interact and exchange ideas.
What is the Standing Committee?
The Standing Committee provides policy guidance to the CITES Secretariat concerning the implementation of the Convention and oversees the management of the Secretariat’s budget, among other responsibilities. Its members are Parties representing each of the six major geographical regions (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Central and South America and the Caribbean, and Oceania). The number of representatives from each region is proportionate to the number of Parties within that region.