Governments from around the world will convene in Campo Grande, Brazil, from March 23-29, 2026, for the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). This crucial global summit, preceded by a series of preparatory meetings and events, arrives at a pivotal juncture for international biodiversity conservation efforts, with a stark new report highlighting the escalating threats faced by migratory animals.
The Urgent Imperative for Migratory Species Conservation
Migratory species serve as potent symbols of the interconnectedness of nature, effortlessly transcending national boundaries. From the vast oceanic journeys of seabirds to the continental flights of raptors, their survival is intrinsically linked to coordinated international action. However, a recent interim report released in conjunction with the upcoming COP15 has painted a concerning picture: nearly half of the world’s migratory species populations protected under the CMS are currently experiencing a decline. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of the upcoming conference.
With the deadline for achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) just five years away, COP15 represents a critical opportunity to translate global conservation ambitions into tangible, on-the-ground actions. As the sole international treaty exclusively dedicated to migratory species, the CMS plays a pivotal role in enabling nations to translate high-level biodiversity commitments into targeted measures that safeguard species, their habitats, and the ecological corridors they rely upon. Organizations involved in conservation efforts will be actively participating in these discussions, working collaboratively with governments and partners to ensure that the outcomes of COP15 lead to meaningful and effective conservation initiatives worldwide.
A Focus on Turning Global Ambition into Action for Migratory Birds
A significant focus at COP15 will be placed on a suite of priorities designed to address the most pressing threats confronting migratory birds and their vital ecosystems. These priorities build upon established programs, such as the Global Flyways Programme, and the long-standing engagement of conservation bodies with the CMS framework.
Central to these discussions will be the proposed adoption of a new resolution specifically addressing seabirds and marine flyways. Seabirds are recognized as one of the most threatened avian groups globally, facing a multifaceted array of pressures including incidental capture in fishing gear (bycatch), pervasive pollution, the accelerating impacts of climate change, and the degradation of critical habitats. This proposed new framework aims to bolster coordinated conservation efforts across the world’s marine flyways, a crucial step in filling existing gaps within current CMS initiatives and providing enhanced support for species that spend a significant portion of their lives in the open ocean.
Furthermore, governments will deliberate on proposals to strengthen legal protections for several of the world’s most imperiled seabird species. This includes various species of gadfly petrels and the Flesh-footed Shearwater. If these proposals are adopted, they would establish a robust foundation for intensified international cooperation and dedicated conservation action for these vulnerable populations.
The concept of flyway conservation itself is set to be a major theme throughout the conference. Pre-COP dialogues will be instrumental in shaping the future trajectory of the CMS Americas Flyways Framework, fostering enhanced coordination among participating nations and laying the groundwork for more effective long-term governance and implementation strategies.
Raptors, another group of migratory birds facing considerable challenges, will also be a prominent item on the agenda. Conservation organizations will advocate for measures 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, and the listing of the Snowy Owl on the CMS Appendices. Efforts to expand the concept of Internationally Important Raptor Areas to a global scale will also be a key discussion point. Collectively, these priorities reflect a broader objective: to equip governments and other stakeholders with clear, practical tools necessary for the effective conservation of migratory species and to ensure the successful delivery of global biodiversity commitments.
A Global Partnership Driving Conservation Action
The active participation of a substantial delegation at COP15 underscores the strength of the global conservation partnership. Approximately 40 delegates, representing national partners from across the globe, are expected to attend. Many of these delegates will work in close collaboration with government delegations, playing an active role in the negotiations throughout the conference. With 21 attending partners, the collective aims to contribute to discussions across a multitude of thematic areas and cross-cutting issues. Additionally, they plan to engage in a wide range of official side events and meetings with government representatives, UN bodies, and other stakeholders.
Conservation groups are also collaborating closely 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 dedicated to strengthening flyway conservation initiatives.
[Image Placeholder: A graphic or photo representing the collaborative efforts or the scale of the event, e.g., delegates in discussion, a map of migratory routes.]
From Global Commitments to Local Impact: The Power of Implementation
While the establishment of global agreements is indispensable, their ultimate success hinges on effective implementation at the local level. Across the BirdLife Partnership, initiatives are already underway to translate international commitments into tangible conservation actions on the ground.
An illustrative example of this can be seen in Uruguay, where BirdLife partner Aves Uruguay is working collaboratively with government agencies and local communities to safeguard critical grassland habitats essential for migratory birds. Through the Grassland Alliance Initiative, the organization actively promotes sustainable land use practices among ranchers, integrating conservation incentives with livelihood support programs. Crucially, this initiative also champions the inclusion of women and youth, thereby strengthening social resilience and fostering intergenerational continuity in conservation practices. This work serves as a compelling demonstration of how global frameworks, such as the CMS, can translate into tangible benefits for both nature and human communities.
A Decisive Moment for Nature: Charting a Course for Recovery
As governments gather in Brazil for COP15, the stakes for global biodiversity are exceptionally high. Migratory species are facing unprecedented declines, ecosystems worldwide are under immense pressure, and the 2030 deadline for achieving global biodiversity targets is rapidly approaching. The CMS COP15 presents a critical juncture, offering a vital opportunity to alter this trajectory.
The true measure of success at this conference will ultimately be determined not by the resolutions adopted within meeting rooms, but by the observable recovery of species in their natural habitats. Migratory birds, in their remarkable journeys, serve as powerful indicators of the health of our planet and, by extension, our collective ability to cooperate across borders for the common good. Their fate is inextricably linked to our own.
Background and Context of the Convention on Migratory Species
The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), also known as the Bonn Convention, entered into force in 1983. Its primary objective is to conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species throughout their migratory range. The Convention provides a global framework for the conservation and management of migratory animals, encouraging governments to take action to protect these species and their habitats.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the governing body of the Convention. It meets every three years to review the implementation of the Convention, make decisions about its future direction, and adopt new conservation measures. COP15, held in Campo Grande, Brazil, is particularly significant as it takes place in the context of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in December 2022. This framework sets out ambitious global targets for halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.
Supporting Data on Migratory Species Declines
The interim report referenced in the article likely draws upon extensive scientific data. While specific figures for the "almost half" are from the report, broader scientific assessments provide context:
- Living Planet Report (WWF): The 2022 Living Planet Report indicated an average 69% decline in wildlife populations since 1970. While this report covers all species, migratory species are disproportionately affected due to their reliance on multiple habitats and transboundary movements.
- State of the World’s Birds (BirdLife International): BirdLife International’s reports consistently highlight the vulnerability of bird populations, with significant numbers facing extinction risk. Migratory birds are often cited as being particularly susceptible to habitat loss and degradation along their flyways.
- Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES): The IPBES Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2019) found that one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades, more than ever before in human history. Migratory species, by their nature, often require healthy ecosystems across vast distances, making them highly sensitive to widespread environmental changes.
The CMS itself tracks species listed in its Appendices. Appendix I lists migratory species that are endangered in the wild, and Parties to the Convention are obliged to strictly protect these species. Appendix II lists migratory species that need or would significantly benefit from international cooperation. The number of species listed and the scope of their range are constantly being reviewed and updated, reflecting the evolving understanding of their conservation status.
Broader Impact and Implications
The outcomes of CMS COP15 in Brazil will have far-reaching implications for global conservation efforts. The decisions made will influence:
- International Cooperation: Strengthened agreements will foster more robust collaboration between nations to protect shared migratory species and their critical habitats.
- Policy and Legislation: New resolutions and updated appendices can drive the development and enforcement of national laws and policies aimed at species protection.
- Habitat Conservation: Increased focus on flyways and important stopover sites will likely lead to enhanced protection and restoration of vital ecosystems, benefiting not only migratory species but also a wider array of biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide.
- Climate Change Adaptation: Many migratory species are highly sensitive to climate change. Conservation strategies developed at COP15 will need to consider and integrate climate resilience measures.
- Public Awareness and Engagement: High-profile international meetings like COP15 raise global awareness about the plight of migratory species, encouraging greater public support for conservation initiatives.
The success of COP15 will ultimately be judged by its ability to translate international commitments into demonstrable improvements in the conservation status of migratory species and the health of the ecosystems upon which they depend. The gathering in Brazil represents a critical opportunity to forge a more effective path forward in safeguarding these remarkable travelers of the natural world.
