This landmark decision effectively bans all international commercial trade in these iconic species, many of which have fallen victim to illegal trafficking driven largely by the exotic pet trade.

The Appendix I listing offers the highest level of protection under CITES and underscores the global significance of safeguarding the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

World Animal Protection also commends Kenya and Uganda for their firm support to the proposal during negotiations and calls on countries, particularly those where CITES records indicate high levels of reported exports of these species to take urgent steps to curb the trade.

These steps include halting ongoing commercial captive breeding of Galápagos iguanas within their jurisdictions and considering the repatriation of all iguanas currently held in breeding facilities now that the species are under Appendix I protection.

Edith Kabesiime, Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection, said: “Justice has finally been served for the iguanas stolen from the Galápagos and trafficked across continents, ending up in non-native regions including East Africa.  This CITES decision shuts the door to the so-called ‘legal trade’ facilitated by fraudulent captive-breeding operations. Governments now have a real opportunity to strengthen oversight and ensure that no iguanas are traded through their systems.”

The Galápagos marine and land iguanas are found nowhere else on Earth. They are increasingly threatened by wildlife trafficking, climate change, and invasive species. Ecuador’s successful proposals reflect global recognition of these escalating threats.