Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP15)
Context:
Recently, the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held in Campo Grande, Brazil. The theme of this summit was “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life.” During this summit, several historic decisions were taken for the conservation of migratory species, among which the inclusion of 40 new species in the protection list is particularly significant.
Key Outcomes:
-
-
- Expansion of the Appendices: At COP15, a total of 40 new species, subspecies, and populations were added to the CMS Appendices:
- Appendix I: This includes endangered species that require strict protection. This time, species such as the Snowy Owl and the Giant Otter have been included.
- Appendix II: This includes species that require international cooperation for their conservation. It now includes the Striped Hyena and various species of Thresher Sharks.
- Appendix I: This includes endangered species that require strict protection. This time, species such as the Snowy Owl and the Giant Otter have been included.
- Recognition of Marine Flyways: For the first time, global Marine Flyways were formally recognized at the conference. This will promote coordination among member countries to protect migration routes of seabirds and other marine species.
- Global Initiative Against Illegal Hunting: A new global initiative has been launched to prevent illegal and unsustainable hunting (Illegal Taking) of migratory species. This initiative focuses particularly on regions where large-scale hunting of migratory birds and mammals takes place.
- Ecological Connectivity: The central focus of COP15 was on ecological connectivity. This means that conserving species alone is not sufficient; it is equally important to ensure that their migratory routes (such as corridors and wetlands) remain uninterrupted and secure.
- Expansion of the Appendices: At COP15, a total of 40 new species, subspecies, and populations were added to the CMS Appendices:
-
India and the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS):
India has been a signatory to CMS since 1983. It hosted COP13 in Gandhinagar in February 2020. Currently, India is playing a leading role in the conservation of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), which extends from the Arctic region to the Indian Ocean.
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS):
Also known as the Bonn Convention.
It is the only global treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) that works for the conservation of migratory species and their habitats.
Secretariat: Bonn, Germany.
Next Conference (COP16): To be held in 2029 in Germany, marking the 50th anniversary of CMS.
Newly Included Species: Striped Hyena, Giant Otter, Zimbabwe’s cheetah population, and migratory catfish of the Amazon.
Importance of Migratory Species:
-
-
- Migratory species are indicators of ecosystem health. They play a crucial role in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. However, climate change, habitat fragmentation, and linear infrastructure (such as roads and power lines) pose serious threats to their survival.
- The decisions taken at CMS COP15 represent a significant step towards achieving the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
- Migratory species are indicators of ecosystem health. They play a crucial role in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. However, climate change, habitat fragmentation, and linear infrastructure (such as roads and power lines) pose serious threats to their survival.
-
Conclusion:
CMS COP15 has clearly demonstrated that the conservation of migratory species is a shared global responsibility that transcends national boundaries. The inclusion of 40 new species highlights the severity of the global biodiversity crisis, while also reinforcing the collective commitment to protect them.
