The Maldives’ proposal to uplist whale sharks to Appendix I of CITES has been adopted at the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20), granting the species the highest possible level of international protection. Parties also approved the listing of all mobula ray species under Appendix I, following a proposal supported by the Maldives.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the uplisting aligns with global conservation agreements and strengthens existing national measures to protect vulnerable marine species. Appendix I listings prohibit all international commercial trade, allowing only strictly regulated non-commercial use.

The Maldives also co-sponsored the proposal to halt commercial trade in guitarfish and wedgefish, which was adopted by all Parties. Officials said the trade pause will support population recovery after years of pressure from illegal fin trafficking and habitat loss.

This year’s CoP coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which now covers more than 40,000 species across three appendices. Whale sharks, mobula rays and several species of guitarfish remain classified by the IUCN as Endangered or Critically Endangered.

The Ministry stated the decisions represent a significant achievement for the Maldives, where marine species are central to the nation’s environment, fisheries and tourism economy. The new listings will now guide enforcement measures across all member states, strengthening global efforts to protect species at risk of extinction.