The presentation of the logo, developed by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, took place on February 3 in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the 78th meeting of the CITES Standing Committee.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov noted:
"The COP20 logo serves as a symbol of Uzbekistan's commitment to the conservation of our valuable wild species. Each of its elements has a special meaning, reflecting the inextricable link between nature, culture and the history of our region. Uzbekistan is proud to host COP20, an important platform for discussing global issues related to the conservation of biodiversity. We are confident that the upcoming meeting will be a step forward in strengthening international cooperation and developing practical mechanisms for wildlife conservation."
The presented logo depicts several elements of the national natural and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan: an ancient petroglyph depicting argali (mountain sheep), the medicinal plant rhodiola semenovii and the sights of the historical city of Samarkand, where CITES COP20 will be held. The rock image of argali, listed in Appendix II of CITES and found in mountainous areas of Central Asia, recalls the need to preserve rare and endangered species, and also symbolizes the connection of nature with the historical heritage of the region. The flowers of the medicinal plant emphasize the vital role of flora in ecosystems and its importance for human health. Meanwhile, the sights of Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world, reflect the rich history, culture and hospitality of Uzbekistan. The city will not only become the venue for the meeting, but also represents a bridge between the past and the future, symbolizing the unity of cultural and ecological heritage.
In her speech at the meeting, the Secretary General of CITES, Ms. Yvonne Aguero, congratulated the Government of Uzbekistan on the successful logo and noted the following:
"This emblem of Uzbekistan's magnificent wildlife perfectly captures the spirit of CITES' 50-year conservation legacy and represents a concrete step in creating the conditions for our important discussions and decisions to be made at COP20."
Uzbekistan is the first country in Central Asia to host a meeting of 185 Parties (184 countries + European Union) CITES and a wide range of stakeholders in the field of wildlife conservation and trade. More than 4,000 participants and delegates are expected to attend the global event, which will be organized in the Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy.
