UN Wildlife Summit Adopts Landmark Protections for Migratory Species
Governments convening at the 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) have adopted a comprehensive set of conservation measures covering marine, freshwater and terrestrial species. Among the key outcomes, the striped hyena - ranging across Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, South Asia and Central Asia - received dual Appendix I and II listings, requiring strict protection and coordinated action across its range. Thresher sharks and great and scalloped hammerhead sharks, species of significant ecological importance in African waters, were listed on Appendix I, reflecting severe global declines and the urgent need for full protection from overexploitation. Manta rays, another species prominent in African marine ecosystems, saw advancing international collaboration on conservation. A major new global initiative was also adopted to tackle illegal and unsustainable take of migratory species, with direct implications for enforcement across African range states.
The decisions, which will shape conservation priorities for years to come, were welcomed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), whose Vice President of International Policy, Susan Lieberman, described the outcomes as reflecting "the power of science-based policy and international cooperation." CMS, a UN Environment Programme-administered treaty with more than 130 parties, provides the global framework for conserving migratory species across national borders. Lieberman cautioned, however, that many migratory species are approaching critical thresholds due to habitat fragmentation, overexploitation, pollution and climate change, stressing that "success will depend on sustained implementation and cooperation."
Source: WCS Newsroom
