In an unprecedented show of unity that sent shock waves across the conservation world here in Samarkand, African nations tested their newly found solidarity by voting as a block to halt an almost assured move to uplift the listing of a species considered by some to be under threat. Granted the species in question was not of major significance to the continent, but when Zimbabwe announced that they were speaking on behalf of the 50 accredited African countries at CITES, it sent shock waves across the floor of Committee 1, dealing with marine species on Thursday. The vote itself was seismic and completely overwhelmed the traditionally influential European Union which together with Panama had presented the proposal. The move prompted a remark from one EU representative to say “great to see the block vote yesterday. I am sure that has created some waves. Good results. How did the member (African) states feel? Good results.”
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