The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) concluded in Campo Grande, Brazil, on March 25, 2026, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to protect migratory species and their critical habitats. The conference, held in the heart of the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, saw delegates from around the globe adopt the landmark Pantanal Declaration, a powerful commitment to recognizing and safeguarding the vital role of wetlands and freshwater systems in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and human livelihoods.
The high-level segment of COP15, which officially opened the conference on March 23, 2026, immediately established a forward-looking tone. Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, emphasized the strategic importance of hosting the COP in proximity to the Pantanal, a region indispensable for numerous migratory species. She urged delegates to enact decisive measures to ensure the continued journeys of these species across borders, underscoring the interconnectedness of their fate with human well-being. Minister Silva also articulated a vision for the COP to "rekindle the light of multilateralism," a sentiment echoed throughout the conference as a crucial element in reversing the alarming decline of migratory species populations.
Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of CMS, presented the interim State of the World’s Migratory Species report, a sobering assessment detailing current extinction risks and population declines. The report highlighted that over 40% of the world’s migratory species are facing extinction. Fraenkel implored the Parties to intensify international cooperation to achieve the Convention’s objectives, stressing that a coordinated, cross-border approach is paramount.
The Pantanal Declaration: A New Era for Wetlands and Migratory Species
A cornerstone of COP15 was the adoption of the Pantanal Declaration during its high-level segment. This declaration, agreed upon at the outset of the conference, serves as a powerful testament to the central role of wetlands and freshwater systems. It explicitly recognizes their multifaceted importance in:
- Biodiversity Conservation: Wetlands are critical reservoirs of life, supporting an extraordinary diversity of species.
- Climate Regulation: These ecosystems play a crucial role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration and regulating water cycles.
- Water Security: Wetlands are vital for ensuring the availability and quality of freshwater resources for both ecosystems and human populations.
- Community Livelihoods: Millions of people depend directly on wetlands for food, resources, and economic opportunities.
- Migratory Routes: The declaration specifically highlights wetlands as indispensable sites for resting, feeding, breeding, and maintaining ecological connectivity along migratory pathways.
The declaration’s preamble states: "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 emphasis on the intrinsic and instrumental value of wetlands sets a new benchmark for migratory species conservation efforts under the CMS framework.
A Successful Conclusion and a Look Towards Germany in 2029
The final day of COP15, March 25, 2026, saw a successful conclusion with the consensus approval of all proposed resolutions, decisions, and amendments to the Appendices. Key outcomes included significant advancements in scientific research and collaborative priorities concerning deep-sea mining impacts, the conservation of freshwater ecosystems, the protection of marine flyways, and measures to mitigate vessel strikes on vulnerable whale populations.
A significant achievement was the addition of 40 new species, subspecies, and populations to the CMS Appendices, providing them with enhanced international protection. Notably, priority species for Wetlands International, including the Lesser Yellowlegs, Hudsonian Godwit, Hudsonian Whimbrel, and the Giant Otter, were among those listed.
Looking ahead, Germany announced its commitment to host COP16 in 2029. This upcoming conference will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the CMS, which was established in Bonn, Germany, marking a return to its birthplace for this significant environmental convention.
Delegates universally lauded COP15 as a demonstration of "science-driven multilateral decision-making at work." The conference underscored the unwavering commitment of Parties to protecting migratory species and their habitats amidst a complex web of geopolitical and environmental challenges.
The closing remarks by Joao Paulo Capobianco, the COP15 President and Executive Secretary of Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, provided a powerful summation of the conference’s spirit. He eloquently articulated the interconnectedness of the planet through migratory species: "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’s impassioned statement on connectivity resonated deeply: "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."
Day-by-Day Developments and Wetlands International’s Engagements
Days 5 & 6: Negotiations Solidify Progress
The closing days of COP15 were characterized by intensive negotiations within working groups, leading to the final plenary session. While the finer details of resolutions were debated, the overall process was marked by a spirit of cooperation, often referred to as a "happy COP." The approval of resolutions on topics such as deep-sea mining research, freshwater ecosystems, marine flyways, and reducing vessel strikes on whales underscored the collective will to address pressing conservation issues. The addition of numerous species to the CMS Appendices, including the Lesser Yellowlegs and Giant Otter, represented tangible wins for species protection.
Day 4: Wetlands International Takes the Plenary Stage
Mid-conference negotiations often present a challenging rhythm, balancing detailed discussions with the momentum of opening and closing sessions. During COP15, this was evident as working groups grappled with complex issues. However, significant decisions moved forward, including the Single Species Action Plan for the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sub-Population of the Tope Shark (Galeorhinus galeus). Irene Kingma, representing the Dutch Elasmobranch Society and supported by Wetlands International, presented this crucial plan, which was subsequently forwarded for adoption by the COP plenary.
Wetlands International also played a pivotal role in discussions on Flyways. Rafaela Nicola, Director of Wetlands International Brazil, delivered the organization’s first intervention from the floor, emphasizing the importance of flyway expertise and a holistic flyway and swimway approach to cross-cutting issues like renewable energy and ecological connectivity. Nicola highlighted the value of initiatives such as the International Waterbird Census, celebrating its 60th anniversary, and the newly established Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership, urging for continued support and funding to bolster these critical data sources for flyway conservation.
Further updates on the numerous decisions deliberated, reviewed, or forwarded to the COP plenary, including the Multi-species Action Plan for Amazonian Migratory Catfish (also supported by Wetlands International), were comprehensively documented by the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin.
Day 3: Wetlands and the Pantanal Take Center Stage
Day three saw delegates engaged in extensive discussions within the Committee of the Whole (CoW), a crucial body for advancing agenda items. While much of the day was dedicated to deep-sea issues, the CoW also addressed critical topics such as a draft decision on freshwater fish, which received strong support from Wetlands International and its partners.
Simultaneously, Wetlands International hosted and co-organized several impactful side events, drawing attention to the Pantanal and its conservation challenges. A key event, co-hosted with Mupan and supported by the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and CEMAVE/ICMBio, focused on wetland governance. This session underscored the power of collaboration between civil society, scientists, and governments in strengthening ecological connectivity and protecting migratory species across the vital Paraguay-Paraná river and wetland system. Rafaela Nicola emphasized the importance of reactivating Brazil’s National Wetlands Committee as a critical step in aligning national efforts with global commitments.
Another significant event focused on fire management in the Pantanal. This session brought together diverse perspectives on prevention, response, and ecosystem resilience in this globally important wetland. The participation of Indigenous leadership, including Chief Eudes Abicho from the Kadiwéu Territory, highlighted the indispensable role of traditional knowledge and frontline experience in addressing fire challenges. øªurea Garcia, General Director of Mupan and Policy Coordinator at Wetlands International Brazil, stated, "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."
Day 2: The Alarming Decline of Migratory Freshwater Fish
The second day of COP15 commenced with the sobering release of a new CMS study revealing the rapid collapse of many long and vital freshwater fish migrations. The assessment identified 325 migratory freshwater fish species as candidates for coordinated international conservation efforts, highlighting a critical and often overlooked biodiversity crisis unfolding across shared river basins worldwide. These species face accelerating declines driven by dam construction, habitat fragmentation, pollution, overfishing, and climate-induced ecosystem changes.
The Global Assessment of Migratory Freshwater Fishes found that these species, which are crucial for maintaining river health, supporting major inland fisheries, and sustaining hundreds of millions of people, are among the most imperiled wildlife on the planet. Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International, stated, "Migratory freshwater fish populations are in freefall: declining 81% since 1970. 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 grim statistics, the assessment also served as an urgent call to action for COP15 Parties, offering concrete recommendations for protecting and restoring rivers to safeguard migratory routes. While the COP technical agenda progressed, with some items deferred to working groups, delegates expressed concerns about the potential for a backlog of issues at the conference’s end. Detailed updates on these negotiations were provided by the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin.
The Wetlands International delegation actively engaged in corridor diplomacy and side events. A particularly meaningful moment involved facilitating a meeting between Indigenous leaders from the Kadiwéu Territory and Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention, fostering dialogue on critical conservation issues.
Day 1: The Pantanal Declaration Takes Root
The opening day of COP15 on March 23, 2026, immediately placed the Pantanal at the forefront of discussions. The conference’s location, on the doorstep of this iconic wetland, underscored its significance for migratory species and broader biodiversity. The adoption of the Pantanal Declaration during the high-level segment was a pivotal moment. Beyond recognizing the role of wetlands, the declaration also emphasized "the need of 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."
The Wetlands International delegation was actively present from the commencement of the conference. In her opening remarks, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, highlighted the importance of the Pantanal and called for decisive action to protect migratory species. She also stressed the COP as an opportunity to "rekindle the light of multilateralism."
CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel presented the critical findings of the State of the World’s Migratory Species report, urging for enhanced international cooperation. During a high-level panel, Ramsar Secretary General Dr. Musonda Mumba issued a compelling appeal for increased investment in wetland protection and restoration, recognizing their foundational role in supporting both migratory species and human societies. Dr. Mumba later met with the Wetlands International delegation to discuss strengthening international cooperation around the Paraguay-Paraná Wetland System and advancing the Ramsar Regional Initiative. Rafaela Nicola stated, "The Paraguay-Paraná Wetland System is one of the most strategic regions in the world for wetland conservation and migratory species. Strengthening this dialogue with the Ramsar Convention is essential to connect local action in the Pantanal with global decision-making on biodiversity and climate."
Beyond formal proceedings, Wetlands International launched a photo exhibition titled "Pantanal: Landscapes and lives in motion." The exhibition, featuring stunning imagery by Joeri Borst and others, showcased the Pantanal as a dynamic territory shaped by water, fire, and human interaction. It highlighted the biome’s remarkable biodiversity, estimated at over 4,700 species, and underscored the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in its protection. Alen Keller de Oliveira Gomes, Administrative and Financial Director of Mupan, remarked, "This exhibition is an invitation to see the Pantanal beyond the landscape, as a territory of people, knowledge and active protection. Bringing these images to CMS COP15 connects local realities with global debates on biodiversity and climate."
The collective outcomes of CMS COP15 signal a renewed global commitment to migratory species conservation, with a particular emphasis on the indispensable role of wetlands and the critical need for international cooperation to address the mounting biodiversity crisis. The success of the Pantanal Declaration and the forward-looking agenda set for COP16 in Germany indicate a path towards more integrated and effective conservation strategies for the planet’s most mobile wildlife.