International news

A host of new measures to safeguard migratory species, have been adopted at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) concluded today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Among the measures agreed: the addition of 14 additional species to the coverage of the Convention, including the Eurasian Lynx, Pallas’s Cat and Sand Tiger Shark.  Other measures were adopted to safeguard species such as the chimpanzee and giraffe.

The much-anticipated Mid Term Implementation Review of the 12-Year Vulture Multispecies Action Plan (Vulture MsAP) has been completed, revealing crucial insights into the current state of vulture populations in Africa and Eurasia. Designed in 2017 to address the pressing threats facing these majestic birds, the Vulture MsAP aims to ensure their survival and promote their recovery across 128 countries in Africa-Eurasia. However, the latest review underscores the urgent need for intensified efforts to counter ongoing challenges and emerging threats to vultures.

The 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) convened in the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, under the theme of “Nature knows no borders.” As the first CMS COP since the COVID-19 pandemic, the first to be hosted in Central Asia, and the first major biodiversity conference since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022, COP14 represented a historic crossroads for tackling the conservation of migratory species and their habitats across the globe, from the bottom of the sea to the upper reaches of the sky, and spanning every type of ecosystem in between.

The Committee of the Whole (CoW) heard reports from representatives of the Credentials Committee, as well as from the working groups on aquatic, terrestrial, avian, and institutional and cross-cutting issues. CoW Chair Colin Galbraith (UK) noted that discussions for the budget working group were ongoing. In the morning, the CoW approved in-session documents and addressed agenda items related to Concerted Actions (CAs). Following an afternoon of cultural excursions around Samarkand organized by the host country, delegates reconvened in the CoW to review more in-session documents. Chair Galbraith adjourned the evening session at 18:45 and encouraged participants to “be early” to the additional session of the CoW scheduled for Saturday morning.

The Committee of the Whole (CoW) heard updates from working groups and approved in-session documents. In the morning, delegates addressed agenda items related to the interpretation and implementation of the Convention, and in the afternoon, reviewed proposals to amend the CMS Appendices.

Chair Colin Galbraith (UK) opened the Committee of the Whole (CoW), followed by an update on progress from working groups.

The destruction, degradation and fragmentation of natural habitat is one of the two greatest threats to migratory species of wild animals.  Today a major new initiative was launched at the UN wildlife meeting taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to ensure that areas of importance to migratory species are identified, protected and connected. Known as the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity (GPEC), the announcement took place on the margins of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

The Committee of the Whole (CoW) met throughout the day to consider scientific assessments and reports, strategic and institutional matters, issues related to the Scientific Council, and matters pertaining to the interpretation and implementation of the Convention. The Budget, Avian, Terrestrial, Aquatic, and Institutional Working Groups established by the CoW met over lunch and in the evening.

The first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report was launched today by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity treaty, at the opening of a major UN wildlife conservation conference (CMS COP14).

In the opening address, Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, welcomed participants to his country and pointed to the “urgent and coordinated” measures required to “preserve the harmony of human life with nature.” He highlighted Uzbekistan’s cooperative efforts with neighboring countries to create transboundary protected areas. Participants then watched a short, engaging video on migratory species conservation prepared by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, Uzbekistan.