The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) in Campo Grande, Brazil, has drawn to a close, marking a significant milestone in the global effort to protect migratory animals and their critical habitats. The conference, held from March 23rd to March 29th, 2026, culminated in the adoption of numerous resolutions and decisions, underscoring a renewed commitment from participating nations to address the escalating biodiversity crisis. A central achievement was the endorsement of the Pantanal Declaration, a powerful statement that unequivocally highlights the indispensable role of wetlands and freshwater systems in sustaining life on Earth.
The Pantanal Declaration, agreed upon at the high-level segment of the COP, sets a crucial precedent by emphasizing that wetlands and freshwater ecosystems are not merely ecological features but are fundamental to biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, water security, and the livelihoods of communities worldwide. It further recognizes these vital areas as critical staging grounds for resting, feeding, breeding, and maintaining connectivity along migratory routes, directly impacting the survival of countless species. This declaration serves as a guiding principle for future conservation efforts under the CMS framework.
H2: A "Happy COP" for Migratory Species: Key Outcomes and Decisions
The final day of COP15 saw the plenary session ratify all proposed resolutions, decisions, and amendments to the CMS Appendices. This consensus-driven approach, a hallmark of successful multilateral environmental agreements, ensures broad buy-in and facilitates effective implementation. Among the key decisions were those addressing scientific research and collaborative priorities for deep-sea mining impacts, the conservation of freshwater ecosystems, the protection of marine flyways, and crucial measures to mitigate vessel strikes on vulnerable whale populations.
A significant outcome of the conference was the addition of 40 species, subspecies, and populations to the CMS Appendices, affording them greater international protection. Notably, priority species advocated for by Wetlands International, including the Lesser Yellowlegs, Hudsonian Godwit, Hudsonian Whimbrel, and the Giant Otter, were successfully listed. This expansion of protected species reflects the growing understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the urgent need for cross-border cooperation.
Looking ahead, Germany announced its commitment to host COP16 in 2029, a significant year as the CMS will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Bonn, its birthplace. This forward-looking announcement signals continued international dedication to the convention’s mission. Delegates universally lauded COP15 as a testament to "science-driven multilateral decision-making," demonstrating a collective resolve to protect migratory species and their habitats amidst complex geopolitical and environmental challenges.
H2: The Pantanal Declaration: A Foundation for Wetland Conservation
The adoption of the Pantanal Declaration at the outset of COP15 provided a powerful impetus for the entire conference. The declaration’s core message resonates with the scientific consensus on the vital functions of wetlands:
"Highlight the central role of wetlands and freshwater systems in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, water security, and communities’ livelihoods, and that they constitute critical sites for resting, feeding, breeding and connectivity along migratory routes."
This statement, originating from the High-Level Segment of CMS COP15, directly addresses the critical link between healthy wetlands and the survival of migratory species. It acknowledges that these ecosystems are not isolated entities but are integral components of larger ecological networks that support life across continents and oceans. The declaration’s emphasis on livelihoods underscores the socio-economic importance of wetlands, recognizing that their preservation is intrinsically linked to human well-being and sustainable development.
H3: A Visionary Closing Address: Connectivity as the Key to Survival
The closing statements at COP15 were marked by an inspiring address from João Paulo Capobianco, the COP15 President and Executive Secretary of Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. His speech eloquently articulated the interconnectedness of our planet, emphasizing that migratory species serve as living threads weaving together diverse ecosystems.
"From the Pantanal to the Arctic, from the oceans to the savannas, migratory species connect our planet in ways no political map ever could. They remind us that ecological integrity depends on continuity on flows that must remain alive, uninterrupted, and resilient. And this is precisely what is at stake."
Capobianco powerfully conveyed the urgency of protecting these natural connections:
"Connectivity is not an abstract concept. It is the difference between survival and collapse. Between ecosystems that function and those that fail. To protect migratory routes, ecological corridors, and critical habitats is to protect the very fabric of life on Earth."
His words served as a profound reminder that conservation efforts must extend beyond individual species or protected areas to encompass the entire migratory journey and the vital habitats that support it.
H2: Days of Negotiation: Progress and Challenges
The middle days of COP15, days 4, 5, and 6, were characterized by intense negotiations and working group sessions as delegates grappled with complex issues and sought consensus on draft resolutions. While the pace of deliberations could be demanding, a palpable sense of collaboration and a shared commitment to the convention’s goals prevailed, leading many to describe it as a "happy COP."
On Day 4, Wetlands International took center stage during a plenary session. Irene Kingma, representing the Dutch Elasmobranch Society and supported by Wetlands International, presented the Single Species Action Plan for the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sub-Population of the Tope Shark (Galeorhinus galeus). This action plan, a critical step for the conservation of this vulnerable species, was subsequently forwarded to the COP plenary for adoption.
Wetlands International’s engagement extended to other crucial areas, including the development of a Multi-species Action Plan for Amazonian Migratory Catfish, another initiative strongly supported by the organization. Detailed updates on these and other decisions were provided by the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin, a reliable source for tracking the COP’s proceedings.
A significant intervention from Wetlands International came from Rafaela Nicola, Director of Wetlands International Brazil, who addressed the crucial topic of Flyways. Her statement highlighted the importance of enhancing flyway action and underscored the value of flyway expertise in addressing cross-cutting issues such as renewable energy development and ecological connectivity. Nicola specifically emphasized the need for robust monitoring of migratory bird populations and their vital sites, referencing initiatives like the International Waterbird Census and the new Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership.
H3: Wetlands International’s Advocacy: Freshwater Fish and Wetland Governance
Day 2 of COP15 brought stark news regarding the alarming decline of migratory freshwater fish populations. A new CMS study revealed that these vital species, crucial for river health and supporting hundreds of millions of people globally, are experiencing precipitous declines, with an 81% drop in populations since 1970. The assessment identified 325 migratory freshwater fish species as candidates for coordinated international conservation efforts, highlighting a largely overlooked biodiversity crisis.
The report, "The Global Assessment of Migratory Freshwater Fishes," paints a grim picture of species imperiled by dam construction, habitat fragmentation, pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International, stated, "Migratory freshwater fish populations are in freefall… We need to accelerate efforts to safeguard their Swimways and invest in the conservation of these species, which are critical to communities and ecosystems across the globe. This is why migratory fishes are one of the priorities in Wetlands International’s new 10-year strategy."
Despite the sobering findings, the assessment also serves as an urgent call to action, offering concrete recommendations for protecting and restoring rivers to safeguard migratory routes. The COP’s agenda, while technically ahead of schedule, saw many items deferred to working groups, a common practice that delegates noted could lead to a heavier workload towards the end of the conference.
During this day, the Wetlands International delegation actively engaged in corridor diplomacy and facilitated a significant meeting between Indigenous leaders from the Kadiwéu Territory and Dr. Musonda Mumba, the Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention. This encounter underscored the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with international conservation frameworks.
H2: Spotlight on the Pantanal: A Crucial Ecosystem Under Threat
The opening days of COP15, particularly Day 1 and Day 3, were dominated by discussions surrounding the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland and a flagship landscape for Wetlands International. Its proximity to the host city of Campo Grande made it a natural focal point for the conference.
The Pantanal Declaration, adopted during the High-Level Segment, explicitly called for: "Maintaining, enhancing, and restoring ecological connectivity across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, particularly through wetlands and other key habitats along migratory routes, to ensure the survival and sustainability of migratory species and their habitats."
Wetlands International’s delegation was actively involved from the outset. In her opening remarks, Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of hosting COP15 at the doorstep of the Pantanal and urged delegates to take decisive action to reverse the decline of migratory species. She highlighted the COP as an opportunity to "rekindle the light of multilateralism," a sentiment echoed by CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel, who presented the interim State of the World’s Migratory Species report, detailing current extinction risks and population declines.
A key side event on Day 3, co-hosted by Wetlands International and Mupan, focused on wetland governance. This session, in collaboration with Brazil’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and CEMAVE/ICMBio, highlighted successful partnerships between civil society, scientists, and governments in strengthening ecological connectivity and protecting migratory species within the Paraguay-Paraná river and wetland system.
Rafaela Nicola, Executive Director of Wetlands International Brazil, stated, "The reactivation of Brazil’s National Wetlands Committee is a key step to reconnect national efforts with global commitments. Spaces like this allow us to align science, policy and local action to effectively protect wetlands and migratory species."
Another critical side event addressed fire management in the Pantanal, bringing together diverse perspectives on prevention, response, and ecosystem resilience. This session featured Indigenous leadership, including Chief Eudes Abicho from the Kadiwéu Territory, emphasizing the invaluable role of traditional knowledge and frontline experience.
“The increasing frequency and intensity of fires in the Pantanal demand integrated responses that combine local knowledge, science and coordinated action. What we are building in the territory can inform broader strategies for wetland conservation globally,┠said ·urea Garcia, General Director of Mupan and Policy Coordinator at Wetlands International Brazil.
H2: A Call for Global Action and Collaboration
The success of COP15 lies not only in the specific decisions made but also in the reinforced spirit of international cooperation and the acknowledgment of the critical role wetlands play in a healthy planet. The Pantanal Declaration, the inclusion of new species in the CMS Appendices, and the robust discussions on critical issues like freshwater fish conservation and flyway protection all signal a positive trajectory.
The conference underscored the fact that migratory species, by their very nature, transcend national borders, necessitating collaborative conservation strategies. The emphasis on ecological connectivity, as highlighted in the Pantanal Declaration and championed by organizations like Wetlands International, is a crucial paradigm shift. It recognizes that protecting these species requires a holistic approach that considers their entire migratory journey and the complex web of habitats that sustain them.
As delegates depart Campo Grande, the commitment to action remains paramount. The challenges are significant, from climate change and habitat loss to the impacts of human development. However, the outcomes of CMS COP15 offer a renewed sense of optimism and a clear roadmap for safeguarding the planet’s invaluable migratory species and the vital ecosystems they depend on for generations to come. The future of these incredible journeys, and indeed the health of our planet, hinges on the continued dedication and collaborative spirit demonstrated at this landmark conference.