Iran Set to Make Waves at CITES COP20: A Landmark Attendance at Global Wildlife Conference
Iran’s Commitment to Wildlife Conservation: CITES COP20 Participation
Iran is set to play a significant role in the upcoming twentieth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES COP20). Scheduled from November 24 to December 5 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this pivotal conference aims to address critical issues surrounding the conservation of endangered species.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) convenes every two to three years, serving as a platform to define, approve, and implement various administrative, technical, and financial matters related to the convention. During this year’s meeting, several key aspects will be evaluated:
- Reviewing progress in the conservation of species listed in the appendices of the convention.
- Examining proposals to upgrade or downgrade species from appendices I and II, or to add new species.
- Elaborating on reports and documents from permanent committees and working groups.
- Pursuing funding for the convention and proposing measures to enhance its effectiveness.
High-ranking officials from various countries’ environmental departments, including potential presidential attendees, will participate in this year’s COP. Delegations representing CITES parties and observers from United Nations agencies and other international conventions will also be present, although the latter group will not participate in voting or discussions.
In total, 51 proposals have been submitted for consideration at COP20, categorized as follows:
- Mammals: 14 proposals
- Birds: 4 proposals
- Reptiles: 8 proposals
- Amphibians: 1 proposal
- Sharks and Rays: 7 proposals
- Sea Cucumbers: 2 proposals
- Plants: 12 proposals
- Freshwater Eels: 1 proposal
- Arachnids: 1 proposal
- Gastropods: 1 proposal
CITES is a vital multilateral treaty aimed at protecting endangered plants and animals from the threats posed by international trade. This convention originated from a resolution passed in 1963 during a meeting of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) members, officially opening for signatures in 1973 and coming into force on July 1, 1975.
Efforts to Combat Wildlife Trafficking
In a related initiative, the Department of Environment (DOE) in Iran has created a working group focused on monitoring wildlife cybercrimes and combatting illegal wildlife trade. An official from the DOE highlighted in September that wildlife trafficking ranks as the third most lucrative crime, following drug and weapon trafficking. Alarmingly, studies reveal that 25% of species listed for sale are prohibited under international trade regulations established by CITES.
Some of the most commonly trafficked wildlife species in Iran include:
- Lion cubs
- Pythons
- Salamanders
- Persian squirrels
- Rhesus monkeys
- Various bird species like falcons and hawks
- Native and non-native turtles
- Snakes and iguanas
The DOE, in collaboration with the Wildlife Organization’s experts, is developing a comprehensive plan to combat wildlife trafficking, set to be implemented nationwide upon approval. This initiative aims to raise awareness about wildlife trafficking and take decisive action against traffickers.
Strategic Plan for Endangered Species Preservation
President Masoud Pezeshkian has mandated the DOE to formulate a strategic plan for the conservation of endangered species in Iran. According to the latest report from the IUCN, approximately 154 species of vertebrates in Iran are critically endangered.
As emphasized by President Pezeshkian, “The country requires a comprehensive and operational plan that addresses various environmental sectors. It must encompass goals, assumptions, operational measures, financial resources, and expected outcomes.”
Iran boasts rich biodiversity, featuring around 37,500 animal species and over 8,000 plant species. Notably, the country is home to:
- 579 bird species
- 214 mammal species
- 284 reptile species
- 23 amphibian species
- 309 freshwater fish species
- 763 marine fish species in the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and Caspian Sea
Additionally, over 35,283 species of invertebrates have been recorded, with more than 32,600 being arthropods. A striking 94% of Iran’s animal species diversity is attributed to invertebrates, with insects alone accounting for over 70% of total species.
Among the critically endangered species are the Asiatic cheetah and the ostrich, both of which have dwindled to fewer than 25 individuals in the wild. Furthermore, five unique species of Caspian sturgeon are facing extinction in the Caspian waters.
Experts warn that while species extinction is a natural process, the current accelerated rate due to human activities poses severe risks to ecosystems and the planet’s overall health. Immediate action and strategic plans are essential to mitigate these risks and preserve biodiversity for future generations.
