The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) marked 50 years since it entered into force on July 1. It celebrates five decades of protecting endangered wildlife from overexploitation through international trade.
Since it came into force on July 1, 1975, CITES have transformed global efforts to protect threatened wildlife from unsustainable trade.
Originally signed by 21 countries in Washington, D.C., CITES has grown into one of the world’s most impactful environmental treaties. It now has 185 Parties regulating trade in over 40,000 species of animals and plants.
“This milestone is more than a date on the calendar. It is a chance to reflect on the progress we have made. We must renew our commitment to a future where trade supports, not threatens, biodiversity,” said the CITES Secretariat.
FROM VISION TO GLOBAL FORCE FOR CONSERVATION
CITES emerged from an international recognition that unregulated trade was pushing countless species toward extinction. The initiative started with 25 fauna proposals and 5 flora proposals. It has since developed into a comprehensive framework. This framework balances conservation with sustainable economic benefits.
Today, international trade is a cornerstone of the global economy. CITES has ensured it can be done legally. It is sustainable and transparent. Each listed species needs verification of legal origin. These species also require sustainability assessments, known as non-detriment findings. Additionally, strict permitting systems are necessary to prevent illegal trafficking.
EXPANDING SCOPE IN A CHANGING WORLD
Over the past 50 years:
- Human populations have doubled.
- Global trade has expanded at unprecedented scale.
- Triple crises—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—are intensifying threats to wildlife.
In response, CITES has dramatically broadened its reach. The latest Conference of the Parties (CoP) in 2022 regulated trade in hundreds more species, including:
- 100 sharks and rays
- 50 turtle and tortoise species
- 160 amphibians
- 150 trees
Today, the Appendices include over 800 tree species and 2,000 marine species, reflecting growing urgency to protect diverse ecosystems.
HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY AND DATA
CITES is also transforming the way the world monitors and enforces wildlife trade rules:
- The CITES Trade Database has surpassed 25 million records.
- Wildlife TradeView and Species+ deliver near real-time analytics to inform decisions.
- eCITES systems are digitizing permits and improving traceability.
- Forensic tools and targeted compliance missions are strengthening enforcement.
“CITES has evolved from a static agreement into a living promise—backed by data, science, and international collaboration,” the Secretariat noted.
CHALLENGES AND RESILIENCE
CITES has endured—and adapted to—global disruptions including COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, supply chain crises, and rising online wildlife crime. Despite these challenges, Parties have continued advancing conservation goals, demonstrating the resilience and flexibility of the Convention.
LOOKING AHEAD: THE ROAD TO SAMARKAND
In November 2025, the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties will convene in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This historic gathering will celebrate CITES’ 50-year legacy. It will also act as a critical waypoint to chart the path for decades to come.
“The road to Samarkand is a call to action. We must build on our achievements, address gaps, and embrace bold solutions to ensure wildlife trade benefits people and the planet alike,” said the CITES Secretariat.
A FUTURE WHERE TRADE AND CONSERVATION COEXIST
CITES’ evolution mirrors a growing recognition that wildlife conservation is inseparable from sustainable livelihoods, indigenous knowledge, and global cooperation. From regulating elephant ivory and rosewood to tackling online trafficking and improving compliance tools, CITES remains a powerful bridge between commerce and conservation.
As the Convention enters its next half-century, the goal remains clear: to create a world where wild animals and plants can thrive in their natural habitats, and international trade sustains—not endangers—them.
