The Ecuadorian government, through the Ministry of Environment and Energy, is presenting two key proposals to strengthen the protection of Galápagos iguanas at the 20th Conference of the Parties (COP20) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), held in Uzbekistan until December 5, 2025. More than 180 states are participating in this event.
Proposal 22 seeks to transfer the marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) from Appendix II to Appendix I, treating its 11 populations as independent conservation units. Proposal 23 calls for including all species within the genus Conolophus—comprising three endemic land iguanas of the archipelago: Conolophus marthae, Conolophus pallidus, and Conolophus subcristatus—in Appendix I.
According to the ministry led by Inés Manzano, these actions comply with a judicial ruling from October 2022. The measures aim to strengthen protection, management, and conservation efforts for Galápagos iguanas and tortoises for the benefit of Ecuador’s natural heritage.
“Although these species have been protected since 1975, there are still pressures from international trade in live specimens. Inclusion in Appendix I will allow stricter control, require registration of breeding centers abroad, and verify the legal origin of animals,” stated the ministry.
Ecuador’s participation at COP20 reinforces its stance on biodiversity conservation and responsible management. The country supports science-based decisions, rigorous environmental controls, and international cooperation to address illegal trafficking and ensure that emblematic Galápagos species remain protected in their natural habitat.
