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 pivotal moment for global wildlife conservation. Amidst growing concerns over declining biodiversity and the urgent need to meet international conservation targets, delegates forged ahead with groundbreaking agreements, most notably the formal recognition of marine flyways and the implementation of enhanced protections for critically important bird groups including seabirds, raptors, and shorebirds. The outcomes of COP15 are poised to significantly bolster efforts to safeguard species that traverse continents and oceans, underscoring the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the imperative for coordinated international action.
The significance of migratory birds extends far beyond their remarkable journeys; they act as vital ecological connectors, linking disparate habitats, cultures, and communities. Their presence also serves as an early warning system, highlighting areas where nature is under severe pressure and where immediate conservation interventions are most critically needed. In this context, the CMS, as the sole global treaty dedicated exclusively to migratory species, plays an indispensable role in translating international commitments into tangible conservation actions. It empowers governments to protect species, restore degraded habitats, and maintain the crucial ecological pathways upon which these species depend for their survival.
A delegation of 38 representatives from across the BirdLife Partnership, including 19 national Partners, actively contributed their expertise to COP15. Their engagement was instrumental in supporting governments to achieve meaningful and impactful outcomes throughout the conference.
Marine Flyways: A Landmark Achievement for Ocean Conservation
One of the most significant breakthroughs at COP15 was the formal recognition of marine flyways. For decades, oceans have represented a notable gap in the established network of global flyways, despite the critical role they play in the lives of countless migratory species. Scientists have hailed this decision as one of the most substantial advancements in ocean conservation in a generation.
The establishment of marine flyways provides a vital framework that will enable countries and stakeholders to coordinate conservation priorities, mobilize essential financial resources, and implement effective actions. This new structure is not only set to benefit seabirds but will also extend protection to other migratory marine megafauna, including whales, sharks, and turtles. Given that seabirds are highly sensitive indicators of marine ecosystem health, this resolution is expected to play a crucial role in assisting governments in achieving broader global ocean conservation targets, including those outlined in the recently adopted High Seas Treaty.
Further strengthening the conservation of marine flyways, two key species were added to the CMS Appendices: gadfly petrels and the Flesh-footed Shearwater. Concerted actions were also adopted for the Flesh-footed Shearwater and the Antipodean Albatross, developed with significant input from the BirdLife Partnership. The listing of these species on the CMS Appendices signifies an elevated level of international commitment to their protection and highlights the collaborative efforts required to address the threats they face.
Nina Mikander, Global Director of Policy and Business at BirdLife International, emphasized the collaborative spirit at COP15, stating, "Protecting migratory species takes more than a village. It was great to see the global conservation community come together at COP15 and take historic decisions for migratory birds across flyways. This is the kind of leadership we need now more than ever." This sentiment underscores the broader recognition that effective conservation requires a united and coordinated global effort.
A New Initiative for the Americas Flyways
COP15 also marked a turning point for migratory species conservation across the Americas. Governments reached an agreement to establish the CMS Initiative for the Americas Flyways. This dedicated mechanism is designed to facilitate the implementation of the Americas Flyways Framework and its associated Action Plan.
This represents a significant governance milestone, as it provides the Americas Flyways with a formal instrument to drive coordinated, cross-border conservation efforts. The groundwork for this initiative was laid at the Third Meeting of the CMS Americas Flyways Task Force, held just prior to COP15. BirdLife played an active role in this preparatory meeting, offering support to governments for the operationalization of the initiative over the subsequent three years, in collaboration with the National Audubon Society.
Ana Agreda, Conservation Project Coordinator at Aves y Conservación, a BirdLife Partner in Ecuador, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "We must unite efforts with governments to ensure the effective conservation of migratory birds. By joining forces between governments and NGOs, we secure the habitats that migratory birds depend on." This statement underscores the critical partnership between governmental bodies and non-governmental organizations in achieving conservation goals.
Enhanced Protections for Raptors and Vultures
Significant progress was also achieved for raptors at COP15. Parties agreed to the establishment of Internationally Important Raptor Areas worldwide. The iconic Snowy Owl was listed on Appendix II of the CMS, ensuring enhanced international protection. Furthermore, a new Action Plan for the Steppe Eagle, prepared by the RSPB, was adopted.
Looking ahead, governments committed to developing a multi-species Action Plan for Vultures in the Americas by COP16 in 2029, which will draw lessons from the successful African-Eurasian plan. COP15 also strengthened the CMS mandate to restrict the veterinary use of Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) that are harmful to vultures and other raptors. Workshops have been agreed upon to support governments in the implementation of these crucial measures, addressing a major threat that has led to catastrophic population declines in vulture species in several regions.
Advancing Shorebird Conservation
The conference also saw crucial advancements for shorebirds. Three species endemic to the Americas flyways – the Hudsonian Whimbrel, Hudsonian Godwit, and Lesser Yellowlegs – were added to CMS Appendix I, granting them the highest level of protection afforded by the Convention. This inclusion signifies a heightened international commitment to safeguarding these often-vulnerable species as they undertake their long-distance migrations.
Additionally, the COP noted the adoption of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Action Plan by the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership. This plan, developed with significant input from the BirdLife team, addresses the critical conservation needs of this critically endangered species, which faces severe threats from habitat loss and degradation along its migratory route.
Aligning Renewable Energy with Migratory Species Conservation
A cross-cutting theme at COP15 was the growing recognition of the significant risks that poorly planned infrastructure, particularly in the renewable energy sector, can pose to migratory species. BirdLife played a key role in these discussions through its coordination of the CMS Energy Task Force (ETF).
The Government of Brazil demonstrated leadership by inviting countries from the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean to engage with the Task Force throughout the COP. This initiative resulted in increased interest from multiple Parties and stakeholders in joining and contributing to the ETF, reinforcing its growing importance as a platform for aligning energy development with migratory species conservation objectives. This proactive approach is essential to ensure that the transition to renewable energy sources does not inadvertently create new threats to biodiversity.
The Path Forward: Urgency and Implementation
Migratory species serve as a critical barometer for the world’s progress in biodiversity conservation. The CMS is the principal treaty guiding governments in meeting their commitments to species conservation, ecological connectivity, and sustainable use, as outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
However, with the 2030 targets rapidly approaching, the latest interim "State of the World’s Migratory Species" report presents a stark warning: the situation has worsened even since COP14, with a growing proportion of CMS-listed species experiencing population declines. This underscores the urgent need for accelerated action.
COP15 has equipped governments with a set of concrete, practical tools to expedite progress towards their KMGBF commitments. The true test now lies in effective implementation. BirdLife International has pledged to monitor developments closely and advocate for robust action to ensure that the resolutions, decisions, and action plans agreed upon in Campo Grande are translated into on-the-ground conservation successes.
The current trajectory of species decline can still be reversed, but this requires immediate and decisive action from governments and all stakeholders, driven by the compelling evidence of the ongoing biodiversity crisis. The decisions made at COP15 represent a crucial step, but sustained commitment and concerted efforts will be paramount to securing a future for the planet’s migratory species.
