Governments to Gather in Brazil for Pivotal UN Wildlife Summit as Migratory Species Face Mounting Global Threats
Oru Leonard
Campo Grande, Brazil — 23 March 2026 — Governments from around the world will convene in Campo Grande from 23–29 March for the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a key United Nations biodiversity treaty dedicated to protecting migratory wildlife across borders.
Hosted by the Government of Brazil, COP15 will take place at the Bosque Expo venue in Campo Grande and is expected to draw ministers, scientists, Indigenous leaders, conservation organizations and civil society to address accelerating threats to migratory species.
A Critical Moment for Migratory Wildlife
The summit follows alarming findings from the first global assessment of migratory wildlife, which revealed widespread population declines driven by habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, climate change and invasive species.
At COP15, Parties will review progress under the Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species (2024–2032) and consider strengthened international measures to safeguard ecological connectivity, protect migratory corridors, and curb illegal and unsustainable take.
Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of CMS, said the meeting represents a decisive opportunity to translate science into action, building on recommendations adopted at the previous COP.
42 Species Proposed for International Protection
Governments will consider proposals to add 42 migratory species to CMS Appendices I and II, which trigger strict protection measures and enhanced international cooperation.
Proposed listings include:
The Snowy owl
Several threatened hammerhead shark species
The Giant otter
The Spotted sorubim, a massive migratory catfish
The Striped hyena
The Zimbabwe population of the Cheetah
Parties will also examine a proposal to remove Uzbekistan’s population of the Bukhara deer from Appendix I.
Illegal Take, Bycatch and Freshwater Connectivity in Focus
A major new initiative — the Global Initiative on Illegal and Unsustainable Taking of Migratory Species — will be launched during the week, addressing a threat that affects nearly two-thirds of CMS Appendix I species.
Marine bycatch, direct take of seabirds, and unsustainable hunting of cetaceans will be high on the agenda, alongside growing concerns about deep-sea mining, underwater noise, vessel strikes and marine debris.
Freshwater ecosystems will receive special attention with the launch of a landmark Global Assessment of Migratory Freshwater Fishes at Bioparque Pantanal — the world’s largest freshwater aquarium — highlighting hundreds of species that may require urgent cross-border cooperation.
Renewable Energy and Biodiversity
Delegates will also debate how to balance renewable energy expansion with biodiversity protection, including bird-safe infrastructure, mitigation of collision risks, and safeguarding vital flyways.
New tools expected at COP15 include the Americas Flyways Atlas, part of the Global Atlas on Animal Migration, designed to help governments identify priority corridors and stopover sites for migratory birds.
High-Level Political Declaration Expected
Anticipated outcomes from COP15 include:
A high-level political declaration
New Concerted Actions and species-specific Action Plans
Strengthened coordination with other biodiversity agreements
Decisions on new Appendix I and II listings.
Measures to enhance ecological connectivity and habitat protection
The Conference of the Parties — CMS’s governing body — meets every three years to review implementation, strengthen conservation commitments, and respond to emerging threats.
With 132 countries and the European Union as Parties, CMS remains one of the most important global frameworks for protecting wildlife that crosses national borders — from whales and sea turtles to elephants, raptors and migratory fish.
As pressures intensify worldwide, COP15 is widely seen as a pivotal test of global resolve to halt and reverse the decline of migratory species essential to ecosystems, economies and human well-being.
Media contacts:
Aydin Bahramlouian — aydin.bahramlouian@un.org
Fernando Neda — press@cms.int
Terry Collins — terrycollins1@gmail.com
