Samarkand, December 06, 2025
Namibia’s bid to overturn the international ban on rhino horn trade was rejected at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) conference held this week in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The decision reaffirms the global commitment to protecting endangered rhinos through trade restrictions.
Namibia’s Proposal and Conference Outcome
Namibia formally submitted proposals seeking to lift the ban on international trade in black and white rhino horns at this year’s CITES conference. Although the country has previously supported similar initiatives by southern African nations like South Africa, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe, this marks the first direct attempt by Namibia to advocate for legalizing rhino horn commerce. The proposals were declined, with the assembly confirming the continuation of the existing trade restrictions earlier on Thursday.
Rationale Behind Namibia’s Push
Namibia’s advocacy for lifting the ban is largely driven by extensive stockpiles of rhino horns amassed over several decades. Proponents argue that permitting legal trade could unlock significant funding resources for conservation initiatives and anti-poaching operations. Poaching prevention remains a costly challenge, especially for private rhino owners striving to protect their herds.
Since 1989, Namibia has implemented a distinctive conservation measure involving dehorning live rhinos to reduce their attractiveness to poachers. This strategy, initially pioneered in Namibia, has been adopted by neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa. However, despite these efforts, Namibia experienced a surge in poaching incidents in 2022, with 87 rhinos killed—a figure nearly twice that of the previous year—raising concerns about the effectiveness of current protection methods.
Opposition and Conservation Concerns
International conservation experts and wildlife preservation groups have expressed strong opposition to lifting the trade ban. They contend that legalizing rhino horn commerce would likely stimulate demand and exacerbate poaching pressures, undermining conservation gains. Environmental organizations remain steadfast in their position that maintaining stringent trade restrictions under CITES is critical to safeguarding vulnerable rhino populations.
International Commitment Under CITES
The CITES framework continues to serve as a pivotal instrument for global wildlife conservation, regulating cross-border trade in endangered species products. The decision to uphold the rhino horn trade ban reflects ongoing international consensus on the necessity of trade controls to mitigate threats to species survival.
The rejection of Namibia’s proposals underscores the complex balance between conservation financing and species protection. While financial resources are essential for effective anti-poaching enforcement, the risk of increased illegal activity linked to market demand remains a central concern among stakeholders. This outcome will influence future policy debates on sustainable strategies to ensure the survival of rhinos in Namibia and across their native ranges worldwide.