In March 2026, an urgent global gathering will convene in Campo Grande, Brazil, for the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Scheduled from March 23rd to 29th, with a series of pre-COP meetings and events leading up to it, this pivotal international summit arrives at a critical juncture for the planet’s biodiversity, particularly for species that traverse vast distances.
The Alarming Trajectory of Migratory Species
Migratory species serve as potent symbols of our interconnected planet, demonstrating how natural systems transcend national borders. From the awe-inspiring journeys of seabirds across expansive oceans to the aerial ballets of raptors migrating between continents, their survival is intrinsically linked to coordinated international cooperation. However, a stark reality has emerged: a new interim report reveals that nearly half of the world’s migratory species populations protected under the CMS are now in decline. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for decisive action as the world approaches the deadline for delivering the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) in just five years.
The CMS COP15 represents a crucial opportunity to translate global biodiversity aspirations into tangible, on-the-ground conservation efforts. As the sole global treaty dedicated to migratory species, the CMS plays an indispensable role in empowering governments to translate high-level biodiversity commitments into targeted, effective measures for species, their critical habitats, and the ecological corridors that connect them. Organizations dedicated to bird conservation will be at the forefront of these discussions, collaborating with governments and partners to ensure that the outcomes of COP15 translate into meaningful conservation action.
Strategic Priorities for Migratory Bird Conservation
At COP15, a series of focused priorities will be championed, reflecting the most pressing threats confronting migratory birds and the vital ecosystems upon which they depend. These priorities build upon extensive experience and successful programs, such as the Global Flyways Programme, and long-standing engagement with CMS processes.
A cornerstone of these efforts will be the proposed adoption of a new resolution dedicated to seabirds and marine flyways. Seabirds are among the most threatened avian groups globally, facing a barrage of pressures including bycatch in fisheries, pervasive pollution, the accelerating impacts of climate change, and the degradation of their essential habitats. This proposed new framework aims to fortify coordinated conservation strategies across the world’s marine flyways, addressing a significant gap in current CMS initiatives and providing crucial support for species that spend a substantial portion of their lives traversing the high seas.
Beyond this overarching resolution, governments will deliberate on proposals to enhance legal protections for some of the world’s most vulnerable seabird species. This includes multiple species of gadfly petrels and the Flesh-footed Shearwater. Should these proposals be adopted, they will establish a robust foundation for intensified international cooperation and dedicated conservation action.
Flyway conservation will remain a central theme throughout the conference. Pre-COP discussions are expected to shape the future trajectory of the CMS Americas Flyways Framework, fostering enhanced coordination among nations and laying the groundwork for more effective long-term governance and implementation of conservation strategies.
Raptors, another avian group facing significant conservation challenges, will also feature prominently on the agenda. Support will be lent to measures designed to bolster their protection, including progress towards a multi-species action plan for vultures in the Americas, the adoption of a new action plan for the Steppe Eagle, the formal listing of the Snowy Owl on the CMS Appendices, and initiatives aimed at expanding the concept of Internationally Important Raptor Areas to a global scale. Collectively, these priorities are designed to equip governments and other stakeholders with clear, actionable tools to conserve migratory species and fulfill global biodiversity commitments.
A United Global Partnership Driving Conservation Action
The significant presence at COP15 by conservation organizations, such as BirdLife International, underscores the strength and reach of their global partnership. Comprising approximately 40 delegates from across the world, including representatives from national partners who are often working directly with government delegations, these organizations are poised to play an active and influential role throughout the negotiations. With 21 attending partners, the collective will contribute to discussions across a multitude of thematic areas and cross-cutting issues. Furthermore, they will actively engage in a diverse range of official side events and bilateral meetings with governments, UN bodies, and other stakeholders.
Beyond their direct participation, there is a concerted effort to collaborate with the broader conservation community to forge a strong and unified voice for civil society. This includes supporting the development of a joint NGO opening statement and actively participating in key pre-COP workshops and task force meetings specifically focused on strengthening flyway conservation initiatives.
Translating Global Commitments into Local Impact
While global agreements are undeniably essential, their ultimate success hinges on effective implementation at the local level. Across the BirdLife Partnership, a substantial amount of work is already underway to translate international commitments into tangible conservation actions on the ground.
In Uruguay, for instance, the BirdLife Partner Aves Uruguay is collaborating closely with government agencies and local communities to safeguard vital grassland habitats crucial for migratory birds. Through the "Grassland Alliance Initiative," the organization is actively promoting sustainable land use practices among ranchers, integrating conservation incentives with essential livelihood support. Notably, this initiative also prioritizes the inclusion of women and youth, thereby strengthening social resilience and ensuring the intergenerational continuity of conservation practices. This ground-breaking work serves as a powerful example of how global frameworks, such as the CMS, can yield tangible benefits for both nature and human communities.
A Decisive Moment for the Planet’s Biodiversity
As governments converge in Brazil for COP15, the stakes for the planet’s biodiversity could not be higher. Migratory species are experiencing alarming declines, vital ecosystems are under immense pressure, and the critical 2030 deadline for achieving global biodiversity targets looms large.
The CMS COP15 presents a pivotal opportunity to fundamentally alter this trajectory. The true measure of success will not be found in the pronouncements made within conference halls, but rather in the demonstrable recovery of species in their natural habitats. Migratory birds, with their extraordinary journeys, serve as powerful indicators of the health of our planet and, more importantly, of our collective ability to cooperate and act across national boundaries to protect the natural world.
The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), also known as the Bonn Convention, is an international treaty that provides a global platform for the conservation of terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species throughout their ranges. Established in 1979, it aims to conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species throughout their life cycles. The parties to the convention come together every three years for a Conference of the Parties (COP) to review progress and adopt new strategies and resolutions.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), adopted at COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in December 2022, sets out an ambitious plan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. It includes 23 targets for 2030, with four goals for 2050. The KMGBF aims to put biodiversity on a path to recovery and ensure that ecosystems are restored and resilient. The upcoming CMS COP15 in Brazil is seen as a crucial follow-up event to ensure that the specific needs of migratory species are integrated into the broader biodiversity conservation agenda set by the KMGBF.
The scientific basis for the urgency of the situation is well-documented. Reports from organizations like the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) have consistently highlighted the accelerating rate of species extinction and ecosystem degradation. The CMS interim report, referenced in the article, indicates that out of 16,700 migratory species, 44% are facing declining populations, with 21% critically endangered. This data paints a grim picture of the challenges ahead and underscores the critical importance of international agreements and collaborative conservation efforts.
The focus on seabirds and marine flyways is particularly significant. These species often undertake journeys of thousands of kilometers, crossing international waters and relying on a network of feeding and breeding grounds that span multiple jurisdictions. Threats such as overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate-induced changes in ocean currents pose significant risks to their survival. By developing specific resolutions and action plans, the CMS aims to create a more coordinated and effective approach to their protection.
The inclusion of raptors, such as vultures and eagles, in conservation discussions also highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems. These birds often play crucial roles as scavengers, helping to maintain ecosystem health. Their decline can have cascading effects throughout the food web. The development of multi-species action plans and the designation of important raptor areas are vital steps in ensuring their long-term survival.
The participation of a broad coalition of national partners and NGOs at COP15 is a testament to the widespread recognition of the challenges and the commitment to finding solutions. These organizations often have deep roots in local communities and possess invaluable on-the-ground knowledge, which is essential for effective conservation implementation. Their collaborative efforts with governments and international bodies are critical for bridging the gap between global policy and local action.
The example of Aves Uruguay and the Grassland Alliance Initiative in Uruguay provides a concrete illustration of how conservation efforts can be integrated with socio-economic development. By promoting sustainable land management practices and empowering local communities, these initiatives not only benefit migratory birds but also contribute to the resilience and well-being of the people who depend on these landscapes. This integrated approach is crucial for achieving long-term conservation success.
As the world looks towards COP15 in Brazil, the outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for the future of migratory species and the health of our planet’s ecosystems. The event represents a critical opportunity to move beyond rhetoric and enact meaningful change that will ensure these remarkable journeys continue for generations to come.
