28th  Meeting of the Plants Committee (PC28) – CITES

Why in News?

The 28^th meeting of the Plants Committee (PC28) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is being held in Geneva.

• PC28 – 1^st plant‑focused meeting since CoP20 (Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Dec 2025) and marks the beginning of a new 3‑year cycle leading up to CoP21 (Panama City, Nov 2028).
• Plants Committee – One of two permanent scientific bodies under CITES (the other is the Animals Committee).
• Provides scientific and technical advice on species subject to trade rules.
• Membership – Around a dozen members and alternates elected from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Oceania.
• Agenda Topics
  • Strategic and capacity‑building matters.
  • Illegal trade and enforcement.
  • Exemptions and special trade rules.
  • Regional reports.
  • Nomenclature (standard scientific naming for consistent permits across 185 member countries).
• New Dimension – Fungi discussed as a separate agenda item for the first time.

Background – CoP20 Decisions

• Held in – Samarkand (Nov–Dec 2025).
• Red doussié, African padauk, Parlatore’s podocarp – Protections retained.
• Chilean palm – Added to Appendix I (strictest protection).
• Guggul (Commiphora wightii) – Listed under Appendix II after debate; exemption for finished retail products (capsules, tablets, perfumes, incense).

India argued for stronger scientific backing before listing guggul; supported by Central African Republic and Congo.

India’s Stake

• Guggul – Listing under Appendix II affects India’s Ayurvedic industry; exemptions soften impact.
• Agarwood – India earlier kept Aquilaria malaccensis out of the Review of Significant Trade, citing cultivation in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.
• Secured a higher export quota; India is part of the working group refining agarwood trade guidance.
• Other Species – India is home to red sanders, sandalwood, orchids, and medicinal plants.
• Decisions on naming, monitoring, and sustainability will directly affect export quotas and enforcement rules.

Reference

Downtoearth | PC28