Governments converged in Campo Grande, Brazil, from March 23rd to 29th, 2026, for the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), delivering a series of landmark decisions poised to significantly bolster the conservation of migratory birds. Amidst escalating biodiversity loss and a critical window to achieve global conservation targets, delegates forged a new marine flyway framework and enacted stronger protections for vulnerable seabirds, raptors, and shorebirds. These outcomes represent a crucial step forward in safeguarding the intricate global network of life that migratory species embody.
The convention, the sole global treaty dedicated to migratory species, serves as a vital mechanism for translating international conservation commitments into tangible action. It empowers nations to protect species, restore vital habitats, and maintain the ecological corridors upon which these species depend for their survival. This year’s COP15, held against a backdrop of alarming species declines, saw a robust representation from the BirdLife Partnership, with 38 delegates contributing expertise and advocating for meaningful outcomes.
A Landmark Achievement: Formal Recognition of Marine Flyways
Perhaps the most significant breakthrough at CMS COP15 was the formal recognition of marine flyways for the first time. This decision addresses a long-standing gap in established global flyway networks, which have historically focused primarily on terrestrial routes. Scientists are hailing this as one of the most profound advancements in ocean conservation in a generation.
The newly established marine flyway framework provides a critical structure for countries and stakeholders to coordinate conservation priorities, mobilize essential financing, and implement targeted actions. This initiative is not only beneficial for seabirds, which are often powerful indicators of marine ecosystem health, but will also extend protection to other migratory marine megafauna, including whales, sharks, and turtles. The resolution is expected to play a pivotal role in helping governments achieve global ocean targets, including those outlined in the recently adopted High Seas Treaty.
The commitment to bolstering marine flyway conservation was further solidified by the listing of several key species on the CMS Appendices. Gadfly petrels and the Flesh-footed Shearwater were granted enhanced protections. Alongside these listings, concerted actions were adopted for the Flesh-footed Shearwater and the Antipodean Albatross, initiatives developed with substantial input from conservation organizations. The Flesh-footed Shearwater, for instance, faces threats from plastic pollution and fisheries bycatch, making these concerted actions crucial for its survival.
Nina Mikander, Global Director of Policy and Business at BirdLife International, underscored the collaborative spirit of the conference: "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."
Advancing Conservation Across the Americas: A Dedicated Flyway Initiative
COP15 also marked a turning point for migratory species conservation across the Americas. Governments agreed to establish the CMS Initiative for the Americas Flyways, a dedicated mechanism designed to implement the Americas Flyways Framework and its accompanying Action Plan. This represents a significant governance milestone, creating the first formal instrument to drive coordinated, cross-border conservation action for migratory species within the region.
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, conservation partners, including BirdLife International and the National Audubon Society, offered support to governments in operationalizing the initiative over the subsequent three years.
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." The Americas are a critical flyway for millions of birds annually, connecting ecosystems from the Arctic to Patagonia, and this initiative promises to enhance the protection of these vital routes.
Bolstering Protections for Raptors and Vultures
Substantial progress was also achieved for raptor conservation at COP15. Parties agreed to the establishment of Internationally Important Raptor Areas worldwide, a designation that will prioritize and coordinate conservation efforts in critical raptor habitats. The iconic Snowy Owl was listed on Appendix II of the CMS, providing it with enhanced protection.
Furthermore, a new Action Plan for the Steppe Eagle, prepared by the RSPB, was adopted. This plan addresses the myriad threats facing this species, including habitat loss and poisoning. Looking ahead, governments committed to developing a multi-species Action Plan for Vultures in the Americas by COP16 in 2029, drawing lessons from the successful African-Eurasian plan. This development is particularly crucial given the severe declines in vulture populations across many parts of the world due to poisoning and habitat degradation.
COP15 also reinforced the CMS mandate on restricting the veterinary use of Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) that are harmful to vultures and other raptors. Agreements were made to facilitate workshops aimed at supporting governments in implementing these crucial restrictions. The widespread use of certain NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, led to catastrophic population crashes in Asian vultures in the late 20th century, a stark reminder of the need for stringent controls.
A Crucial Step Forward for Shorebirds
The conference delivered significant advancements for shorebirds, with three species along the Americas flyways – the Hudsonian Whimbrel, Hudsonian Godwit, and Lesser Yellowlegs – added to CMS Appendix I. This places them under the highest level of protection afforded by the Convention, mandating strict measures to prevent their extinction. These species undertake epic migrations, often traveling thousands of kilometers between their breeding and non-breeding grounds, making coordinated international conservation efforts essential.
Additionally, the COP acknowledged the adoption of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Action Plan by the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership. This plan, developed with significant input from conservation experts, addresses the critically endangered status of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, a species facing severe threats from habitat degradation and hunting along its migratory route.
Integrating Renewable Energy with Migratory Species Conservation
A key cross-cutting theme at COP15 was the growing recognition that poorly planned infrastructure, particularly in the renewable energy sector, can pose significant risks to migratory species. BirdLife International played a pivotal 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 engagement led to 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. As the world transitions towards renewable energy sources, ensuring that these developments are implemented in a way that minimizes harm to wildlife is paramount. Studies have shown that improperly sited wind turbines and solar farms can lead to bird collisions and habitat fragmentation, impacting migratory routes.
Looking Ahead: The Urgency of Implementation
Migratory species are not merely a conservation concern; they serve as a crucial barometer for the world’s success in delivering for biodiversity. The CMS is the primary treaty guiding governments in meeting their commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, encompassing species conservation, ecological connectivity, and sustainable use.
However, with the 2030 targets fast approaching, the latest interim State of the World’s Migratory Species report presents a sobering assessment: the situation has deteriorated even since COP14, with an increasing proportion of CMS-listed species experiencing population declines. This trend underscores the urgent need for immediate and effective action.
COP15 has provided a comprehensive suite of concrete, practical tools that governments can now deploy to accelerate progress towards their biodiversity commitments. The true measure of success, however, will lie in the diligent implementation of these decisions. BirdLife International, alongside its global partners, will be closely monitoring progress and advocating for the robust execution of the resolutions, decisions, and action plans agreed upon in Campo Grande. The trajectory of species decline can still be reversed, but this will require unprecedented urgency and commitment from governments and all stakeholders. The interconnectedness of our planet, mirrored in the journeys of migratory birds, demands a unified and decisive response.
