Global Wildlife Summit Opens with Critical Debates
International wildlife talks commenced on Monday in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, gathering conservation experts and government representatives from more than 180 nations. The conference brings together signatories to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a pivotal 50-year-old agreement regulating trade for approximately 36,000 species of animals and plants.
Controversial Proposals Take Center Stage
The agenda features several contentious proposals that could reshape global wildlife protection efforts. Among the most debated topics is a push to grant greater protection to eels, a popular food item in parts of Asia. Several countries advocate for listing additional eel species under Appendix II, which imposes stricter trade controls. Proponents argue that young eel species are virtually indistinguishable, allowing critically endangered European eels to be illegally traded as less threatened varieties.
This proposal faces fierce opposition from Japan, a major eel consumer that has launched an extensive lobbying campaign against the measure. Japanese officials submitted a document exceeding 100 pages, warning that broader eel protections would "undermine the credibility of this institution" and potentially increase prices, leading to more poaching and smuggling.
Another highly controversial measure involves efforts by Namibia and other nations to permit limited sales of government-owned rhino horn and elephant ivory stockpiles. Advocates claim such sales would generate crucial funding for conservation programs, but animal protection groups strongly disagree.
"As soon as you open up that legal trade it just provides avenues for illegal ivory and illegal rhino horn to be laundered into those markets in Asia where it has caused so much problems," warned Matt Collis, senior director for policy at the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Shark Protection and Meeting Timeline
The conference will also consider strengthening protections for several shark species, including a proposed complete trade ban for the critically endangered oceanic whitetip shark under Appendix I. Experts believe this measure has strong support, though proposals concerning whale sharks and gulper sharks may face closer scrutiny.
This follows previous CITES success in 2022 when members approved Appendix II protections for dozens of shark species despite opposition from countries including Japan. The current meeting in Samarkand will continue its deliberations until December 5, with outcomes potentially affecting global conservation efforts for years to come.
