SA Wins Global Support for Three Species Proposals at CITES COP20 in Uzbekistan

Aucamp said the achievement reflects not only South Africa’s leadership in global conservation but also the “impeccable quality of scientists” who provide the country’s evidence-based policy foundation.

 

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp has praised South Africa’s negotiating team after three of the country's proposals were officially adopted at the Twentieth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP20) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Aucamp said the achievement reflects not only South Africa’s leadership in global conservation but also the “impeccable quality of scientists” who provide the country’s evidence-based policy foundation.

The conference was held from 24 November to 05 December 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the South African delegation led by Deputy Minister Narend Singh.

Three South African Proposals Successfully Adopted

The adopted proposals include:

• Deletion of the bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) from Appendix II, recognising decades of successful population recovery and sustained conservation management.

• Transfer of Avonia quinaria (a dwarf succulent) from Appendix II to Appendix I, offering the species the highest level of protection due to increasing threats from illegal collection and habitat loss.

• Transfer of Euphorbia bupleurifolia (pine-cone euphorbia) from Appendix II to Appendix I, responding to evidence of rising global trade pressures affecting wild populations.

These decisions mean tighter regulations on international trade, enhanced monitoring measures, and strengthened enforcement mechanisms to safeguard vulnerable plant species.

A Competitive Conference with Global Stakes

CITES COP20 considered 51 amendment proposals submitted by Parties for potential changes to international trade controls, alongside 114 draft working documents addressing enforcement, compliance, conservation funding, and emerging global threats such as climate change and illegal wildlife trafficking.

South Africa’s proposals stood out due to their strong scientific basis and the country’s long-standing commitment to sustainable use and biodiversity protection.

Science-Driven Conservation Policy

Deputy Minister Singh emphasised that all South African priorities tabled at CITES COP20 were thoroughly evaluated by the Scientific Authority, ensuring alignment with national conservation strategies and global best practice.

“Our priorities are those that have direct implications for South Africa’s conservation efforts and the sustainable use of its biological resources. These priorities have undergone extensive assessment and scientific advice from the Scientific Authority,” Singh said.

Significance for South Africa’s Biodiversity

The decisions mark an important milestone for South Africa, which is home to some of the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems. The removal of bontebok from Appendix II highlights a conservation success story, while the uplisting of the succulents showcases the country’s proactive stance in protecting species at risk of exploitation.

The outcomes of CITES COP20 are expected to strengthen South Africa’s conservation frameworks, improve international collaboration, and enhance protection efforts for a wide range of species under pressure from illegal trade and habitat degradation.