Wetlands and freshwater systems are critical for biodiversity, climate regulation, water security, and livelihoods, serving as vital stopover points for migratory species. This pivotal declaration was enshrined in the Pantanal Declaration, a cornerstone agreement reached at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) in Campo Grande, Brazil, underscoring the indispensable role of these ecosystems in global conservation efforts.
The 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP15) concluded in Brazil on March 25, 2026, marking a significant milestone in international efforts to protect the planet’s migratory fauna. Over the course of the conference, delegates from around the globe engaged in intensive negotiations, culminating in critical decisions that will shape conservation strategies for years to come. Wetlands International, a key player in this arena, actively participated, advocating for the recognition and protection of wetlands and freshwater systems as indispensable components of migratory species’ survival.
A Successful Conclusion and a Look Towards the Future
The COP15 plenary sessions saw the unanimous adoption of all proposed resolutions, decisions, and amendments to the CMS Appendices. These crucial outcomes addressed a spectrum of pressing environmental issues, including priorities for scientific research and collaboration on deep-sea mining, the urgent conservation needs of freshwater ecosystems, the protection of marine flyways, and targeted actions 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, a list that notably includes priority species championed by Wetlands International, such as the Lesser Yellowlegs, Hudsonian Godwit, Hudsonian Whimbrel, and the Giant Otter.
Looking ahead, Germany announced its commitment to host COP16 in 2029, a landmark event that will coincide with the 50th anniversary of CMS, celebrating its origins in Bonn. The closing statements from delegates echoed a sentiment of optimism, characterizing COP15 as a testament to "science-driven multilateral decision-making at work" and reaffirming the Parties’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding migratory species and their habitats amidst multifaceted geopolitical and environmental challenges.
A particularly poignant address was delivered by João Paulo Capobianco, the COP15 President and Executive Secretary of Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. His powerful closing speech highlighted the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the critical importance of unimpeded migratory routes. "From the Pantanal to the Arctic, from the oceans to the savannas, migratory species connect our planet in ways no political map ever could," he stated. "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. 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."
Negotiations Gain Momentum: A "Happy COP" for Migratory Species
The penultimate days of COP15 were characterized by robust negotiations and the productive work of various working groups. While the intricate details of resolutions were debated, the overall process maintained a smooth trajectory, fostering an atmosphere widely described as a "happy COP," a sentiment that augured well for the future of migratory species conservation.
Wetlands International Takes the Plenary Stage
Mid-conference, the focus intensified as working groups grappled with complex issues. Wetlands International played a prominent role, advocating for species and ecosystems critical to their mission. 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), which was subsequently forwarded to the COP plenary for adoption.
Further updates on the numerous decisions discussed, reviewed, or forwarded for adoption, including the Multi-species Action Plan for Amazonian Migratory Catfish – another initiative strongly supported by Wetlands International – were provided by the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin.
A significant focus for Wetlands International was the issue of Flyways. Rafaela Nicola, Director of Wetlands International Brazil, delivered a crucial intervention from the floor. She expressed gratitude to Brazil for hosting the COP and for its leadership in migratory species and wetland conservation, and to the CMS Secretariat for its ongoing support. Nicola emphasized the value of flyway expertise and a flyway and swimway approach to cross-cutting issues such as renewable energy and ecological connectivity. She highlighted the importance of monitoring migratory bird populations and their vital sites, noting the contributions of the International Waterbird Census, celebrating its 60th anniversary, and the newly established Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership. Wetlands International expressed its eagerness to deepen collaboration to implement resolutions and enhance the impact of flyways initiatives globally.
Focus on Freshwater Fish and the Pantanal’s Vital Role
During the conference’s third day, the Committee of the Whole (CoW), a critical body within the COP, delved into a lengthy agenda. While much of the discussion centered on marine issues, the CoW also addressed a draft decision on freshwater fish, a topic of significant importance to Wetlands International and its partners.
The Wetlands International delegation was actively engaged in both plenary debates and a series of impactful side events. One such event, co-hosted by Wetlands International and Mupan, with support from 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 to bolster ecological connectivity and safeguard migratory species across the vital Paraguay-Paraná river and wetland system. Rafaela Nicola articulated the significance of reactivating Brazil’s National Wetlands Committee as a crucial step in aligning national efforts with global conservation commitments.
In parallel, Wetlands International co-organized a dedicated session on fire management in the Pantanal, bringing together diverse perspectives on prevention, response, and ecosystem resilience in one of the world’s most expansive wetland areas. This session featured crucial input from Indigenous leadership, including Chief Eudes Abicho from the Kadiwéu Territory, who emphasized the indispensable role of traditional knowledge and frontline experience in addressing fire challenges. "The increasing frequency and intensity of fires in the Pantanal demand integrated responses that combine local knowledge, science, and coordinated action," stated Áurea Garcia, General Director of Mupan and Policy Coordinator at Wetlands International Brazil. "What we are building in the territory can inform broader strategies for wetland conservation globally."
The Alarming Decline of Migratory Freshwater Fish
The second day of COP15 brought stark revelations regarding the critical state of migratory freshwater fish populations. A new CMS study highlighted the rapid collapse of some of the longest and most significant 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 planet’s shared river basins. 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 revealed that these species, vital for maintaining river health, supporting major inland fisheries, and sustaining hundreds of millions of people, are among the most imperiled wildlife on Earth. Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International, underscored the urgency: "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 assessment painted a concerning picture, it also served as an urgent call to action for COP15 Parties, urging governments to implement clear recommendations for protecting and restoring rivers to safeguard migratory routes. The technical sessions progressed efficiently, though concerns were raised about the potential backlog of issues as many items were deferred to a cross-cutting issues working group. Detailed updates on the negotiations were consistently provided by the IISD.
The Wetlands International delegation actively engaged in corridor diplomacy and participated in events, including facilitating a vital connection between Indigenous leaders from the Kadiwéu Territory and the Ramsar Secretary General, Dr. Musonda Mumba.
The Pantanal: A Guiding Light for the COP
The opening day of COP15 in Campo Grande, Brazil, placed the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland and a flagship landscape for Wetlands International, at the forefront of discussions. The "Pantanal Declaration," adopted during the High-Level segment, emphasized the critical need for maintaining, enhancing, and restoring ecological connectivity across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, particularly through wetlands and other key habitats along migratory routes. This declaration was crucial in ensuring the survival and sustainability of migratory species and their habitats.
Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the significance of hosting COP15 in the vicinity of this iconic wetland, which is a crucial corridor for numerous migratory species and a haven for diverse wildlife. She implored delegates to take decisive actions to ensure the continued safe passage of migratory species across borders, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their well-being with human prosperity. Minister Silva also pointed to the COP as an opportunity to "rekindle the light of multilateralism," a concept central to reversing the alarming decline of migratory species populations.
Amy Fraenkel, CMS Executive Secretary, presented the interim State of the World’s Migratory Species report, detailing current extinction risks and population declines, and urged 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 case for increased investment in wetland protection and restoration as a cornerstone for safeguarding migratory species and the ecosystems upon which societies depend. She later met with the Wetlands International delegation to discuss strengthening international cooperation around the Paraguay-Paraná Wetland System, advancing the Ramsar Regional Initiative, and reinforcing transboundary dialogue and wetland governance. Rafaela Nicola noted, "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."
The Wetlands International delegation also launched a compelling photo exhibition titled "Pantanal: Landscapes and Lives in Motion." Featuring evocative images, many by Joeri Borst, the exhibition portrayed the Pantanal as a dynamic territory shaped by water, fire, and human interaction. It showcased the biome’s extraordinary biodiversity, home to over 4,700 species, and highlighted the vital role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in its protection. Alen Keller de Oliveira Gomes, Administrative and Financial Director of Mupan, stated, "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 exhibition served as a powerful visual narrative, underscoring the intrinsic link between healthy wetlands and the survival of migratory species.
