Why in news?
The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals concluded in Campo Grande, Brazil, on 29 March 2026. Delegates agreed to grant new or upgraded protections to 40 species and adopted 39 resolutions addressing threats to migratory animals.
Background
Also known as the Bonn Convention, the CMS is a UN treaty signed in 1979 under the UNEP framework. It provides a global platform for conserving migratory animals and their habitats across terrestrial, aquatic and avian species. Parties meet periodically to review implementation and update Appendix lists: Appendix I lists endangered species requiring strict protection, while Appendix II covers species with unfavourable conservation status that benefit from international cooperation.
Key outcomes of COP15
- Species listings: Forty species, including cheetahs, striped hyenas, snowy owls, giant otters and great hammerhead sharks, were added to the CMS Appendices due to steep population declines driven by habitat loss, overexploitation and climate change.
- Conservation plans: Multi‑species action plans were adopted for regions such as the Amazon, recognising the need for coordinated efforts across range states.
- Addressing emerging threats: Delegates highlighted the dangers of deep‑sea mining, plastic pollution, underwater noise, illegal wildlife killing and fisheries bycatch, and emphasised integrating indigenous knowledge with science in conservation measures.
- State of Migratory Species Report: An interim report revealed that nearly half of monitored migratory populations are declining and about 24 per cent face extinction risk, underscoring the urgency of enhanced protection.
Significance
- International cooperation: Adding species to the Appendices mobilises global support for recovery plans and underscores the need for collaboration among range states.
- Holistic conservation: Recognising threats like climate change and plastic pollution encourages comprehensive strategies that combine habitat protection, sustainable fisheries and pollution control.
- Awareness in India: India, a party to CMS, hosts numerous migratory species; COP15 outcomes influence national policies on wildlife corridors, marine pollution and renewable energy development.
Conclusion
COP15 marked a step forward in safeguarding migratory animals by expanding species protections and addressing emerging threats. Continued cooperation between nations, informed by science and traditional knowledge, will be critical to ensure safe passage for species that traverse national borders.
