India, Dec. 9 -- Global South nations drove key decisions as CITES marked its 50th anniversary in Samarkand.

Delegates added 77 species to the appendices, including major uplistings for sharks and iguanas.

Southern African bids to reopen limited trade in rhino horn and ivory were rejected by secret ballot.

Proposals to formalise human rights, livelihoods and community roles faced strong resistance.

Parties approved a 6.98% budget increase to strengthen CITES' work from 2026 to 2028.

The 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) has concluded in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking the 50th anniversary of the Convention.

As the first ...