Like many of us stepping into a new year, we’re preparing for what’s ahead, feeling energised and ready to act, driven by our ambition to achieve our goals. At Save the Rhino, our main goal is a big one: we want to see all five rhino species thriving. We’re determined to continue and reach this goal, knowing it will take time, resources and strong partnerships. So, we’re heading into 2025 guided by our long-term purpose, prepared with shorter-term, actionable milestones to drive forward our vision.
This week, we’re highlighting a few of these milestones, sharing some of the significant international meetings and conferences coming up for rhinos throughout the next 12 months.
What’s happening for rhinos in 2025?
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February 2025: African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG) meeting
Every three years, the AfRSG meets to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s black and white rhino populations. As Members of the Group, our CEO, Dr Jo Shaw, and Grants Lead, Cathy Dean, will be joining the 2025 meeting in February, working with fellow rhino experts to share knowledge and support the development of continental strategies that boost rhino populations
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May 2025: Asian Rhino Specialist Group (AsRSG) meeting
Similar to the AfRSG, the AsRSG aims to meet every few years, sharing knowledge and updating key information on the conservation and status of all three Asian rhino species (Greater one-horned, Sumatran and Javan). This year, both the AsRSG and AfRSG will be producing important reports detailing the most up-to-date population numbers and recovery metrics, in advance of the next CITES CoP (more below)
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November 2025: 30th Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
A UNFCCC conference takes place annually to assess progress in dealing with the climate crisis. Given the breadth of climate change and its impacts, the CoP covers many topics each year, many of which directly or indirectly influence rhinos, their habitats and people living around them. One of the key themes of CoP30 is preserving forests and biodiversity, making discussions at this year’s conference even more pertinent for rhino conservation
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November 2025: 20th CoP to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
From 25 November – 4 December, the 20th CITES CoP will take place, bringing countries together to discuss their roles in the protection of endangered species from international trade. The Conference provides a platform for updated rhino population numbers to be published, as well as for CITES members to share how they are tackling illegal trade in endangered animal and plant species. At the 19th CoP in 2022, there were two crucial rhino proposals – we expect proposals for this year’s CoP to be submitted in the coming months
This year brings both challenges and opportunities. The information shared, collaborative actions taken, and decisions made at all the international meetings above could be transformative for rhinos. Alongside our partners and across these important events, we will champion evidence-based, effective policies, interventions and activities that provide more hope for rhinos now and in the future.
As we lean into the year, we’ll be sharing updates on these events (and others) in our blogs. Check back here regularly for the latest rhino news!
Please let me know how i can be a participant in the AfRSG meeting in February 2025. I am planning to work this year through the use of social media and the creation of a movie to highlight the plight of the Rhinos in Southern Africa. Please let me know who i can get into contact with to discuss how i can help and support.
Hi Simon,
The AfRSG meeting is a Member only meeting.
Thank you for your ongoing support for rhino conservation.