The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) concluded in Campo Grande, Brazil, with a resounding affirmation of the critical role wetlands and freshwater systems play in global biodiversity conservation. The conference, held from March 23rd to March 29th, 2026, brought together delegates from around the world to address the escalating challenges faced by migratory species and their habitats. A significant outcome was the adoption of the Pantanal Declaration, a landmark document that explicitly recognizes the indispensable functions of wetlands and freshwater ecosystems in supporting biodiversity, regulating climate, ensuring water security, and sustaining human livelihoods. These vital habitats were underscored as crucial resting, feeding, breeding, and connectivity points along migratory routes, solidifying their importance in international conservation efforts.
A Successful Conclusion and a Look Towards Germany
The final day of COP15 witnessed the consensus approval of all proposed resolutions, decisions, and amendments to the CMS Appendices. This harmonious conclusion marked a successful culmination of extensive negotiations and collaborative efforts. Key decisions addressed pressing scientific research and collaboration priorities, including the complex issue of deep-sea mining and its potential impacts on marine ecosystems, the urgent need for enhanced protection of freshwater ecosystems, the mapping and conservation of vital marine flyways, and the implementation of measures to reduce vessel strikes on vulnerable whale populations.
In a significant development for global migratory species conservation, the COP formally added 40 species, subspecies, and populations to the CMS Appendices. Among these crucial additions were species of high priority for organizations like Wetlands International, including the Lesser Yellowlegs, Hudsonian Godwit, Hudsonian Whimbrel, and the Giant Otter. These inclusions signify a strengthened commitment to monitoring and protecting these species under the convention’s framework.
Looking ahead, Germany announced its commitment to hosting COP16 in 2029, a decision that holds particular significance as it will coincide with the 50th anniversary of CMS, celebrating its birthplace in Bonn. Delegates at the closing ceremony lauded COP15 as a testament to "science-driven multilateral decision-making at work," reflecting a shared dedication to safeguarding migratory species and their habitats amidst a complex tapestry of geopolitical and environmental crises.
The closing address by Joao Paulo Capobianco, the COP15 President and Executive Secretary of Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, resonated with a powerful message of interconnectedness. He emphasized that migratory species forge connections across the planet that transcend political boundaries, underscoring that ecological integrity hinges on the continuity of natural flows. Capobianco eloquently stated, "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 potent reminder of the profound ecological and existential stakes involved in migratory species conservation.
Negotiations Progress Amidst Key Side Events
The middle days of COP15 were characterized by intensive negotiations within working groups, tackling intricate issues with a focused yet sometimes demanding pace. While the early days set a positive tone and the final days aimed for decisive action, the mid-conference period often involves detailed deliberations. Nevertheless, significant progress was made, with several important decisions moving towards adoption.
A notable achievement during this phase was the presentation and subsequent forwarding to the COP plenary for adoption of the Single Species Action Plan for the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sub-Population of the Tope Shark (Galeorhinus galeus). This critical initiative was championed by Irene Kingma, representing the Dutch Elasmobranch Society and with strong support from Wetlands International, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the convention.
For comprehensive updates on the myriad of decisions discussed, reviewed, or forwarded for adoption, including the Multi-species Action Plan for Amazonian Migratory Catfish, another initiative supported by Wetlands International, the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin provided invaluable daily reports.
A key priority for Wetlands International was the advancement of work on Flyways. Rafaela Nicola, Director of Wetlands International Brazil, delivered an impactful intervention from the floor, marking the organization’s first formal address. Nicola expressed gratitude to the host nation, Brazil, for their leadership in migratory species conservation and their commitment to wetlands. She also acknowledged the CMS Secretariat’s unwavering support.
Nicola highlighted the crucial work of the Flyways Working Group in enhancing flyway action and emphasized the indispensable value of flyway expertise. She advocated for adopting a flyway and swimway approach to cross-cutting issues such as renewable energy development and ecological connectivity. She specifically noted the recommendation within the amended resolution for parties to strengthen the monitoring of migratory bird populations and the vital sites they depend upon. Nicola pointed to the International Waterbird Census, celebrating its 60th anniversary, and the newly established Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership as crucial data sources underpinning flyways conservation, while also calling for urgent additional funding for the latter.
Wetlands International’s Active Role in Shaping Decisions
Day three of COP15 saw delegates immersed in the work of the Committee of the Whole, a crucial body for advancing agenda items. While discussions often delved into complex marine issues, the committee also addressed a draft decision on migratory freshwater fish, a topic strongly supported by Wetlands International and its partners.
The Wetlands International delegation actively participated in plenary debates and a series of vital side events. One such event, co-hosted by Wetlands International and Mupan, in collaboration with Brazil’s 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 bolstering ecological connectivity and safeguarding migratory species within the extensive Paraguay-Paraná river and wetland system. Rafaela Nicola reiterated the significance of reactivating Brazil’s National Wetlands Committee as a pivotal step in aligning national conservation efforts with global commitments. She emphasized that platforms like these are essential for harmonizing scientific understanding, policy development, and on-the-ground action to effectively protect wetlands and migratory species.
Further underscoring the critical issues facing the region, Wetlands International also co-organized a dedicated session on fire management in the Pantanal. This event brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss prevention, response strategies, and the resilience of ecosystems within one of the world’s most significant wetland areas. The session featured vital input from Indigenous leadership, including Chief Eudes Abicho from the Kadiwéu Territory, underscoring the indispensable role of traditional knowledge and frontline experience in addressing the escalating challenges posed by wildfires. Áurea Garcia, General Director of Mupan and Policy Coordinator at Wetlands International Brazil, highlighted the need for integrated responses to the increasing frequency and intensity of fires, advocating for approaches that combine local knowledge, scientific expertise, and coordinated action. She noted that strategies developed within Indigenous territories could serve as valuable models for broader global wetland conservation initiatives.
Urgent Call to Action for Freshwater Fish Migrations
Day two of COP15 commenced with stark revelations regarding the plight of migratory freshwater fish. A newly released CMS study highlighted the alarming collapse of some of the longest and most crucial freshwater fish migrations globally. The assessment identified 325 migratory freshwater fish species as candidates for coordinated international conservation efforts, exposing a largely overlooked biodiversity crisis unfolding across the world’s shared river basins. These species are facing accelerated declines attributed to a confluence of factors, including extensive dam construction, habitat fragmentation, pervasive pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and the disruptive impacts of climate-driven ecosystem changes.
The Global Assessment of Migratory Freshwater Fishes report reveals that migratory freshwater fish – species vital for maintaining river health, supporting some of the world’s largest inland fisheries, and sustaining hundreds of millions of people – are among the most imperiled wildlife on the planet. Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International, issued a strong statement, noting that "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."
While the report painted a grim picture, it also served as an urgent call to action for the Parties at COP15 and their respective governments. It provided clear recommendations for protecting and restoring rivers to safeguard critical migratory routes. The technical sessions of the COP were progressing efficiently, with some delegates expressing concern about the potential for an overloaded final plenary due to items being deferred to cross-cutting working groups. However, this is a common dynamic in COP proceedings. Detailed updates on the ongoing negotiations were consistently provided by the IISD.
During this period, the Wetlands International delegation actively engaged in corridor discussions and participated in events. A particularly meaningful moment involved facilitating a connection between Indigenous leaders from the Kadiwéu Territory and Dr. Musonda Mumba, the Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention, fostering dialogue on shared conservation priorities.
Pantanal Declaration Sets the Tone for COP15
The opening day of COP15, held in Campo Grande, Brazil, immediately placed the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland and a flagship landscape for Wetlands International, at the forefront of discussions. The region lent its name to the Pantanal Declaration, adopted during the High-Level Segment. This pivotal declaration emphasized the critical need for maintaining, enhancing, and restoring ecological connectivity across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. It specifically highlighted the role of wetlands and other key habitats along migratory routes in ensuring the survival and sustainability of migratory species and their habitats.
In her opening remarks, Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, underscored the symbolic significance of hosting COP15 at the gateway to this iconic wetland, crucial for countless migratory species and a reservoir of immense biodiversity. She urged delegates to adopt decisive measures to ensure migratory species continue their journeys across borders and bridges, for their own sake and for humanity’s. Minister Silva also framed the COP as an opportunity to "rekindle the light of multilateralism," a sentiment central to reversing the alarming decline of migratory species populations.
Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of CMS, highlighted the findings of the interim State of the World’s Migratory Species report, which detailed current extinction risks and population declines. She implored delegates to intensify cross-border cooperation to achieve the Convention’s objectives.
During a high-level panel, Dr. Musonda Mumba, Ramsar Secretary General, made a compelling appeal for increased investment in wetland protection and restoration, emphasizing their foundational role in safeguarding migratory species and the ecosystems that support human societies. Later, she met with the Wetlands International delegation, focusing on strengthening international cooperation for the Paraguay-Paraná Wetland System, advancing the Ramsar Regional Initiative, and fostering transboundary dialogue and effective wetland governance. Rafaela Nicola emphasized the strategic importance of the Paraguay-Paraná Wetland System for wetland conservation and migratory species protection, highlighting the necessity of linking local actions in the Pantanal with global decision-making on biodiversity and climate.
Complementing the official proceedings, Wetlands International launched a photo exhibition titled "Pantanal: Landscapes and Lives in Motion." The exhibition, featuring stunning imagery, many contributed by Joeri Borst, showcased the Pantanal as a dynamic territory shaped by water, fire, and human interaction. It celebrated the biome’s remarkable biodiversity, boasting over 4,700 species, and highlighted the integral role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in its protection. Alen Keller de Oliveira Gomes, Administrative and Financial Director of Mupan, described the exhibition as an invitation to perceive the Pantanal not merely as a landscape but as a territory rich in people, knowledge, and active stewardship, effectively connecting local realities with global discussions on biodiversity and climate at CMS COP15.