Bahrain Hosts Regional Workshop in Preparation for CITES CoP20

The Supreme Council for Environment, led by Chief Executive Amina Hameed Al Rumaihi, inaugurated today the regional preparatory workshop for the 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The event is organized in cooperation with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and supported by the Shark Conservation Fund (SCF). The opening ceremony was attended by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy Chief Executive of the Supreme Council for Environment.

Al Rumaihi affirmed that hosting this workshop reflects Bahrain’s commitment to supporting international efforts to protect endangered species and to strengthening regional cooperation in this field. She highlighted the growing threats faced by marine species, including sharks and rays, stressing that Bahrain’s role as host underscores its position as an active partner in the CITES process. She expressed confidence that the workshop will generate constructive recommendations to support biodiversity conservation both regionally and globally.

Dr. Akrum Issa Darwish, IFAW Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, noted that CITES CoP20 will bring governments from across the globe to make critical decisions on regulating wildlife trade—decisions that will have long-term impacts on the survival of many species.

“This workshop is a vital opportunity for our region to discuss proposals and prepare unified recommendations that will enhance the implementation of the convention at both regional and global levels,” he added.

Discussions focused on proposals to include new species in the CITES appendices, particularly sharks and rays that face increasing pressure from unregulated trade in their fins, meat, and oils.

Dr. Nabgh Ghazal Aswad, IFAW Program Director in the Middle East and North Africa, warned that unregulated trade has contributed to a sharp decline in shark populations worldwide, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listing many species as endangered or critically endangered. He emphasized the urgent need for stronger protections, fully regulated and sustainable trade, and bans where necessary.

Participants also explored strategies to curb demand for illegal wildlife products by addressing consumer behavior and weakening illicit markets at their source.

The three-day workshop, held in Manama from September 16 to 18, is part of regional preparations for CITES CoP20, scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from November 24 to December 5, 2025.

The CITES Conference of the Parties brings together member states along with observers from international and non-governmental organizations working in wildlife conservation and trade regulation. This year’s meeting holds special significance, marking both the 50th anniversary of the convention’s entry into force and the 20th session of the Conference of the Parties. With more than 180 countries participating, CoP20 is expected to serve as a key global platform shaping the future of wildlife trade governance.