University of Turku Participates for the First Time as Observer at CITES CoP

The University of Turku participated for the first time at a meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The meeting was held in December in Central Asia, which is the first time the region has hosted a CITES CoP since the convention took effect in 1975.

The meeting brought together governments, NGOs, researchers, and international organisations to debate and decide on global wildlife trade regulations. Dr. Caroline Sayuri Fukushima, a postdoctoral researcher at the Biodiversity Unit and a member of the Biodiversity and Sustainability Solutions Lab (BISONS Lab) at the University of Turku, participated in the meeting as an observer. Fukushima's research focuses on biodiversity conservation and wildlife trade, particularly the conservation challenges of invertebrates such as tarantula spiders.

At CITES CoP meetings, observers play an important role by contributing scientific expertise, following negotiations across committees, and engaging with parties and stakeholders.

The agenda for this year included a wide range of proposals covering numerous taxa, reflecting the complexity and scale of international wildlife trade governance. Finland also had an official delegation present, represented by the Ministry of the Environment.

As part of the programme, Dr. Fukushima was invited to speak at a dedicated side event focusing on the international trade of tarantulas.

"I provided an overview of the global market, the drivers behind demand, and the key conservation challenges related to traceability, species identification, and the persistence of illegal trade. The session was well attended by representatives of the Conference of the Parties, non-governmental organizations, and researchers, which highlights the growing interest in understanding and regulating the trade of invertebrates," Fukushima reports.

Dr. Fukushima closely followed one of the proposals submitted by Argentina, Bolivia, and Panama that sought to include 15 South American tarantula species (Grammostola rosea and 14 additional species considered by the proponents to be look-alike taxa) in CITES Appendix II to regulate their international trade. During the meeting, however, the parties decided to narrow the scope of the proposal, resulting in the listing of Grammostola rosea alone in Appendix II.

Participating in COP20 gave Dr. Fukushima a unique opportunity to see firsthand how impactful conservation decisions are made at the highest levels.

"It was inspiring to observe the scientific, political, and socio-economic considerations that intersect throughout the negotiation process, as well as the collaborative efforts required to reach consensus among more than 180 Parties. This experience not only deepened my understanding of international conservation policy but also highlighted the importance of scientific participation in global decision-making. The University of Turku's presence as an Observer marks an important step in strengthening its engagement with international biodiversity governance," Fukushima says.