Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS):

What is CMS?

• Official Name: Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

• Also Known As: Bonn Convention (named after the city where it was signed)

• Status: International treaty under the auspices of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

• Year Signed: 1979 (June 23, in Bonn, West Germany)

• Year Entered into Force: November 1, 1983

• Current Membership: 133 parties (as of 2024)

• Depositary: Government of the Federal Republic of Germany

• Secretariat Headquarters: Bonn, Germany (with an outposted office in Abu Dhabi, UAE)

Objectives and Scope

Primary Aim

• To conserve terrestrial, aquatic (marine), and avian (bird) migratory species throughout their entire range

• To lay legal foundation for conducting conservation measures on a global scale

• To protect migratory species of wild animals and their habitats

Importance

• Unique Status: CMS is the only global, UN-based intergovernmental organization established exclusively for the conservation and management of migratory species

• Comprehensive Approach: Provides a platform for range states (countries through which migratory animals pass) to work together for coordinated international conservation efforts

• Why Necessary: Migratory species cross national borders and face threats in multiple jurisdictions, requiring international cooperation

Why Migratory Species Need Protection?

• Habitat loss in breeding areas

• Excessive hunting and poaching along migration routes

• Degradation of feeding and resting grounds

• Climate change affecting migration patterns

• Pollution and collisions with infrastructure (power lines, roads)

• Key Fact: 50% of migratory and potentially migratory species are threatened compared to only 27% of non-migratory species

Fundamental Principles (Article 2)

The parties to CMS acknowledge the following:

1. Importance of Conservation: Migratory species must be conserved and range states should take action whenever possible and appropriate

2. Special Attention to Endangered Species: Particular focus on migratory species with unfavorable conservation status

3. Research Promotion: Should promote, cooperate in, and support research relating to migratory species

4. Protection Obligations: Shall endeavor to provide immediate protection for species included in Appendix I

5. International Cooperation: Shall endeavor to conclude agreements covering conservation and management of species in Appendix II

Two Appendices System

Appendix I: Threatened Migratory Species (Endangered Species)

• Definition: Lists migratory species assessed as being in danger of extinction throughout their range or in significant portion of their range

• IUCN Alignment: Corresponds with IUCN Red List endangered/critically endangered categories

• Conservation Status: Species with high risk of extinction in wild in near future

• Obligations:

  • Parties shall provide “strict protection” to these species

  • Shall endeavor to conserve and restore their habitats

  • Shall reduce migration obstacles and control endangering factors

  • Prohibition of Taking: Taking of these species is generally prohibited (with limited exceptions)

  • Examples: Siberian Crane, Slender-billed Curlew, certain sea turtles

Appendix II: Species Requiring International Cooperation

• Definition: Lists migratory species that need or would significantly benefit from international cooperation for conservation and management

• Conservation Focus: Species that would derive significant benefit from international agreements

• Objectives: To establish legally binding or non-binding agreements for their management

• Species Characteristics: May include species with varying conservation statuses (some endangered, some with robust populations but facing similar threats)

• Examples: Most waterbirds, many marine mammals, African elephants, various shark species

Legal Instruments Under CMS

1. Binding Agreements

• Legally binding international treaties for specific species or groups

• Examples: ASCOBANS, ACCOBAMS, AEWA

2. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)

• Legally non-binding agreements

• More flexible and easier for countries to sign than formal agreements

• Signatories make political commitments rather than legal obligations

• Can be tailored to regional conservation needs

• Examples: Siberian Crane MOU, Marine Turtles MOU, Sharks MOU, Raptors MOU

Key Daughter Agreements (Under CMS Framework)

1. AEWA – Agreement on the Conservation of Waterbirds of International Importance (largest with 119 range states, covers 255 waterbird species)

2. ASCOBANS – Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas

3. ACCOBAMS – Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area

4. ACAP – Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels

5. EUROBATS – Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe

6. Sharks MOU – Memorandum of Understanding on Conservation of Migratory Sharks (48 signatories)

7. Raptors MOU – Memorandum of Understanding on Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey

Total Coverage: Over 7 specialized agreements and 19 MOUs under CMS framework, covering approximately 1,200 migratory species

Organizational Structure

1. Conference of the Parties (COP)

• Role: Principal decision-making body of the Convention

• Meeting Frequency: Every 3 years

• Functions:

  • Reviews implementation of the Convention

  • Sets budgets and priorities for following three years

  • Decides on amendments to Appendices

  • Considers reports from parties

  • Determines conservation priorities

• Notable COPs:

  • COP 13 (2020): Held in Gandhinagar, India (first COP in India) – largest meeting with 2,550 participants

  • COP 14 (2024): Held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (first COP in Central Asia)

2. Standing Committee (StC)

• Role: Provides policy and administrative guidance between COP sessions

• Composition: Elected from COP parties

• Meeting Frequency: Between COP sessions as needed

3. Scientific Council (ScC)

• Role: Offers scientific advice and identifies research and conservation priorities

• Functions: Reviews proposals for listing amendments, assesses conservation status

• Activity: Meets between COP sessions

4. Secretariat

• Provider: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• Headquarters: Bonn, Germany

• Regional Office: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Functions:

  • Develops and promotes agreements

  • Services meetings of parties

  • Supports and supervises research and conservation projects

  • Cooperates with governments and partner organizations

  • Manages finances and coordinates with international bodies

India and CMS

India’s Role

• Party Since: 1983 (founder member)

• Status: Active participant and promoter of CMS

MOUs Signed by India (Non-Legally Binding)

1. Siberian Cranes (1998)

   • First MOU developed under CMS framework

   • Covers 11 range states: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

   • Wintering ground: Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan

   • Population: Approximately 3,800 birds (98% of world population), mostly in Eastern Asian population

2. Marine Turtles (2007)

   • Protects sea turtle species migrating through Indian waters

   • India is crucial stopover and breeding ground

3. Dugongs (2008)

   • Focuses on conservation of marine mammals in Indian Ocean

   • India provides temporary habitat

4. Raptors (2016)

   • Covers migratory birds of prey species

   • Includes Amur Falcons and other raptors migrating through India

Migratory Species Sheltering in India

With only 2.4% of world’s land area, India hosts approximately 8% of known global biodiversity and provides temporary shelter to:

• Amur Falcons (breed in Siberia, winter in Africa, stopover in India)

• Bar-headed Geese (breed in Central Asia, winter in India/Himalayan regions)

• Black-necked Cranes (breed in Tibet, winter in Arunachal Pradesh)

• Siberian Cranes (breed in Russia, winter in Rajasthan)

• Marine turtles, Dugongs, and Humpback Whales

India’s Contribution to CMS

• Hosted CMS COP 13 (2020) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat – landmark achievement

• Home to critical flyway corridors (Central Asian Flyway)

• Coordinates with other range states for species management

• Central Asian Flyway Coordinating Unit: Established in India with span of 30 range states (CMS COP 14 decision)

Key Features and Mechanisms

1. Range State Concept

• Definition: Countries or territories within the geographical range where a species naturally occurs

• Importance: Range states are directly involved in management, conservation, and protection of species and habitats

• Cooperation: Range states work collectively under CMS framework

2. Migratory Flyways

• Major migration corridors connecting breeding, wintering, and stopover habitats

• Central Asian Flyway: Major corridor for migratory birds, passes through India

• Eastern Flyway: For East Asian populations

3. Habitat Connectivity and Conservation

• Stepping Stone Habitats: Critical rest and feeding points during migration

• Habitat Protection: Conservation of breeding areas, wintering grounds, and migration routes

• Ecological Connectivity: Integration of landscape management across borders

• Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity (GPEC): Launched at CMS COP 14

4. Species Listing Process

• Parties propose species for listing

• Scientific Council reviews proposals

• COP votes on amendments to Appendices

• Reservations: Countries can make reservations on specific species listings

CMS COP 14 (2024) Key Outcomes

Venue: Samarkand, Uzbekistan (First COP in Central Asia)
Theme: “Nature knows no borders”

Major Decisions

1. 14 Species Added to Appendices: Including Eurasian Lynx, Pallas’s Cat, Sand Tiger Shark, Peruvian Pelican, Guanaco, and others

2. Concerted Actions for 6 Species: Including Chimpanzee, Straw-colored Fruit Bat, Blue Shark

3. Single Species Action Plans (SSAPs): For aquatic species like Atlantic Humpback Dolphin, Hawksbill Turtle, Angelshark

4. Central Asian Flyway Agreement: Established coordination mechanism for 30 range states

5. Ecological Connectivity Framework: GPEC launched to enhance habitat linkages

Comparison with Other Conventions

Global Threats to Migratory Species Addressed by CMS

1. Habitat Degradation: Loss of breeding areas, wintering grounds, and stopover habitats

2. Fragmentation: Infrastructure (roads, railways, fences) disrupting migration routes

3. Illegal Trade: Poaching and wildlife trafficking along migration routes

4. Bycatch: Accidental capture in fishing nets

5. Pollution: Contaminants, plastic, and marine debris affecting populations

6. Human Activities: Hunting, mining, oil and gas development, underwater noise

7. Climate Change: Altering migration timing and habitat suitability

8. Infrastructure Hazards: Collisions with power lines, wind turbines, and vehicles

Check : ENVIRONMENT NOTES