Governments convened in Campo Grande, Brazil, from March 23 to 29, 2026, for the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), marking a significant turning point for the protection of the planet’s most mobile wildlife. Amidst growing concerns over biodiversity loss and the urgent need to meet global conservation targets, delegates reached landmark agreements that will reshape efforts to safeguard migratory birds and other species across vast terrestrial, marine, and aerial landscapes. The conference, held against a backdrop of concerning scientific reports indicating continued population declines for many migratory species, delivered tangible progress on several fronts, notably the formal recognition of marine flyways and the establishment of robust new initiatives for avian conservation across the Americas and for raptor populations globally.
The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the sole global treaty dedicated to the conservation of migratory species, plays a critical role in translating international commitments into actionable conservation strategies. Migratory birds, traversing continents and oceans, serve as vital ecological connectors, linking diverse ecosystems and communities. Their journeys also act as sensitive indicators of environmental health, highlighting areas where nature is under severe pressure and where urgent intervention is required. The 2026 COP15 meeting took place at a crucial juncture, with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework setting ambitious targets for 2030. However, the latest interim "State of the World’s Migratory Species" report, released shortly before the conference, painted a stark picture, revealing a worsening situation even since the previous COP meeting two years prior, with an increasing proportion of CMS-listed species experiencing population declines.
A New Dawn for Ocean Conservation: Formal Recognition of Marine Flyways
One of the most significant achievements of CMS COP15 was the formal recognition of marine flyways for the first time. This decision is being hailed by scientists as a monumental advancement in global ocean conservation, providing a crucial framework for coordinating international efforts to protect species that traverse the world’s oceans. For decades, while terrestrial and avian flyways have been mapped and addressed, the vast migratory routes of marine life, particularly seabirds, have lacked a dedicated international structure for coordinated conservation.
The newly established marine flyway framework will enable countries and stakeholders to align conservation priorities, mobilize essential financial resources, and implement targeted actions. This initiative holds immense promise not only for seabirds, which are vital indicators of marine ecosystem health, but also for other migratory marine megafauna, including whales, sharks, and turtles. The resolution is expected to significantly bolster governmental efforts to achieve overarching global ocean targets, including those outlined in the recent High Seas Treaty, aimed at protecting biodiversity in international waters.
Further strengthening marine flyway conservation, COP15 saw the listing of Gadfly Petrels and the Flesh-footed Shearwater on the CMS Appendices. Concerted actions were also adopted for the Flesh-footed Shearwater and the Antipodean Albatross, with significant input and development support provided by the BirdLife Partnership, a global network of conservation organizations. The Flesh-footed Shearwater, for example, faces threats from plastic pollution, bycatch in fisheries, and habitat degradation, making international cooperation through the CMS framework vital for its survival.
Transforming Avian Conservation in the Americas: A Dedicated Flyway Initiative
CMS COP15 marked a pivotal moment for migratory species conservation across the Americas, culminating in the agreement to establish the CMS Initiative for the Americas Flyways. This dedicated mechanism is designed to operationalize the Americas Flyways Framework and its accompanying Action Plan, representing a substantial governance milestone. For the first time, the Americas will benefit from a formal instrument to drive coordinated, cross-border conservation efforts for the region’s diverse migratory bird populations.
The groundwork for this initiative was laid at the Third Meeting of the CMS Americas Flyways Task Force, held just prior to COP15. During this preparatory meeting, the BirdLife Partnership, in collaboration with organizations like the National Audubon Society, provided active support to governments, committing to assisting in the operationalization of the initiative over the subsequent three years. This collaborative approach underscores the critical need for partnerships between governmental bodies and non-governmental organizations to secure essential habitats that migratory birds rely upon during their extensive journeys.
Bolstering Raptor Protection: International Areas and Species-Specific Action
The conference delivered substantial progress for raptor conservation, with several key decisions aimed at enhancing their protection. A significant outcome was the agreement to establish Internationally Important Raptor Areas worldwide, a designation that will prioritize and coordinate conservation efforts in critical habitats for these iconic birds of prey. The Snowy Owl, a species renowned for its Arctic breeding grounds and nomadic winter movements, was listed on Appendix II of CMS, mandating increased international cooperation for its conservation.
Furthermore, a new Action Plan for the Steppe Eagle, meticulously prepared by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), was adopted. This plan addresses the multifaceted threats facing this species, including habitat loss, poisoning, and electrocution. Looking ahead, governments committed to developing a multi-species Action Plan for Vultures in the Americas by COP16 in 2029, drawing inspiration from the successful African-Eurasian plan.
In a critical move to combat a major driver of vulture population decline, COP15 also strengthened the CMS mandate on restricting the veterinary use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) that are lethal to vultures and other raptors. Diclofenac, a widely used NSAID, caused catastrophic population collapses in Asian vulture species in the 1990s, serving as a stark warning. The agreement to hold workshops aimed at supporting governments in implementing these restrictive measures signifies a proactive approach to preventing similar crises in other regions.
Advancing Shorebird Conservation: Enhanced Protection and Regional Action
The conference provided a significant boost for shorebird conservation, particularly for species undertaking long-distance migrations within the Americas. Three critical shorebird species – the Hudsonian Whimbrel, Hudsonian Godwit, and Lesser Yellowlegs – were added to CMS Appendix I, granting them the highest level of protection under the Convention. This inclusion signifies a commitment to preventing further population declines and ensuring the long-term survival of these increasingly vulnerable species.
Additionally, the COP noted the adoption of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Action Plan by the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership. This plan, developed with substantial input from the BirdLife Partnership, addresses the critically endangered status of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, a species facing severe threats from habitat loss and degradation along its migratory route.
Bridging Renewable Energy Development and Migratory Species Conservation
A key cross-cutting theme at COP15 was the growing recognition of the potential risks posed by poorly planned infrastructure development, particularly renewable energy projects, to migratory species. The BirdLife Partnership played a pivotal role in these discussions through its coordination of the CMS Energy Task Force (ETF). The ETF serves as a vital platform for aligning renewable energy development with migratory species conservation needs, fostering dialogue and promoting best practices.
Demonstrating leadership, the Government of Brazil invited countries from the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean to engage with the Task Force throughout the COP. This initiative led to increased interest from multiple Parties and stakeholders in joining and contributing to the ETF, underscoring its growing importance as a forum for collaborative action. By facilitating dialogue between energy developers, governments, and conservationists, the ETF aims to mitigate the impacts of energy infrastructure and ensure that the transition to renewable energy is sustainable for all species.
The Path Forward: Urgency and Implementation
CMS COP15 has provided a comprehensive suite of concrete, practical tools that governments can leverage to accelerate progress towards their commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. However, the ultimate success of these agreements hinges on their effective implementation. Migratory species are not merely a conservation concern; they serve as a crucial barometer for the world’s success in delivering for biodiversity.
With the 2030 targets rapidly approaching, the report from the conference indicates that most governments are not currently on track to meet these ambitious goals. The stark warning from the interim "State of the World’s Migratory Species" report, highlighting the continued decline of many species, emphasizes the urgency required. The BirdLife Partnership and other conservation stakeholders will be closely monitoring the progress made in translating the resolutions, decisions, and action plans adopted in Campo Grande into tangible conservation outcomes on the ground. The trajectory of migratory species decline can still be reversed, but this will require decisive and immediate action from governments and all stakeholders involved. The decisions made at CMS COP15 offer a roadmap, but the real test lies in the collective will and capacity to implement them with the urgency that the evidence demands.
