AWF Statement Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) CoP20

Experts, scientists, and world leaders are gathering in Uzbekistan from November 24th to December 5th, 2025, for the 20th meeting on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). AWF recognizes the critical value of the CITES alongside the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in protecting global biodiversity and regulating international trade in over 40,000 species to prevent unsustainable exploitation. AWF has engaged in CITES processes every three years for the past four decades, contributing field experience and scientific expertise and facilitating collaboration among Parties and stakeholders.

CITES CoP20 comes at a pivotal moment as countries address sustainability, legality, and traceability in wildlife trade while combating wildlife crime — still severely underfunded in Africa and other parts of the world. African countries have been demonstrating strong leadership through commitments such as the 2022 IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress, which affirmed people-centered conservation as an African priority in the Kigali Call to Action for People and Nature. 

We welcome the recent formation of the African Group of Negotiators on Wildlife (AGN), which demonstrates Africa’s quest for a common voice on wildlife conservation. AWF works closely with African institutions — including the AGN and the Africa Protected Area Directors (APAD) —along with peer organizations and governments to promote shared African priorities and highlight conservation successes as well as challenges. AWF continues to support the African Union Commission (AUC) in convening expert meetings, such as the Africa Pre-CoP regional meetings, which have been central to defining African priorities for CoP20.

AWF advocates for an inclusive approach to CITES that recognizes Civil Society, alongside Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), who have demonstrated longstanding success in stewarding biodiversity, and are seeking out the establishment of substantive structures for IPLC engagement within CITES. Additionally, with over 70% of Africa’s population under 30, youth leadership is essential for long-term conservation impact. For this reason, AWF further promotes Africa’s leadership in the new proposed CITES Global Youth Network to shape the CITES agenda.

AWF Key Calls for CITES CoP20

1. Common Voice and African Leadership- Strengthen a unified African voice through the AGN on Wildlife to advance biodiversity conservation, human well-being, and sustainable development.  

3. Fair Benefit-Sharing and Inclusivity- Ensure inclusive participation in species conservation strategies, NBSAP revisions, protected area governance, and AU-led biodiversity platforms.

4. Transparent Science and Reporting -Encourage African Parties to uphold obligations for transparent and rigorous reporting under CITES that promote the use of best available science.  

5. Sustainable Finance - Mobilize long-term, predictable, African-led biodiversity finance to close the continent’s biodiversity financing gap.

About AWF

The mission of African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is to ensure Africa’s wildlife and habitats thrive in a modern, prosperous Africa. For 64 years, AWF has partnered with African governments, conservation institutions, and communities to build African-led, inclusive conservation solutions that align with national development agendas. AWF operates directly in 7 countries across 10 landscapes, and its policy and partnership networks extend continent-wide (www.awf.org). Our integrated programs protect wildlife, secure habitats, enhance community well-being, promote sustainable land use, and elevate African leadership.

Technical contacts:  Harifidy Ralison, Senior Manager, Policy and Partnerships, Global Policy and Governance, [email protected] ;

Media contact:  Eileen Kairu, Manager, Strategic Communications; [email protected].