In 2025, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) celebrated 50 years since its entry into force on 1 July 1975. From CITES authorities to the CITES Global Youth Network, members of our global expert community describe CITES50 in 50 words. What is one word you would use to describe CITES? #CITES50 | CITES

A global operation against the illegal trafficking of wild fauna and flora has led to the seizure of nearly 30,000 live animals and the identification of 1,100 suspects. From 15 September – 15 October, law enforcement agencies comprising police, customs, border security and forestry and wildlife authorities from 134 countries made a total of 4,640 seizures during Operation Thunder 2025. This record number of seizures included tens of thousands of protected animals and plants and tens of thousand