The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), also known as the Bonn Convention, stands as a pivotal international treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of migratory species and their habitats. Enacted in 1979 under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the CMS acknowledges the intrinsic value of migratory animals and recognizes their crucial ecological roles across diverse ecosystems. With a focus on facilitating cross-border cooperation and fostering concerted efforts among nations, the Convention serves as a cornerstone for addressing the complex challenges facing migratory species in an increasingly interconnected world. Through its framework of collaborative action and commitment to fostering partnerships, the CMS embodies a global commitment to safeguarding the remarkable journeys and habitats of migratory animals for generations to come.
MIGRATORY SPECIES
- The term “migratory species” encompasses any species or lower taxon of wild animals whose entire population or a distinct geographical segment routinely and predictably traverses one or more national jurisdictional boundaries.
- For certain migratory birds and mammals, the journey between habitats can extend over vast distances, sometimes spanning thousands of miles or kilometers.
- A migratory route typically involves nesting and requires suitable habitats both before and after each movement.
- Migratory animals face various challenges, including habitat loss in breeding areas, heightened hunting along migration routes, and degradation of their feeding grounds, rendering them particularly susceptible.
- In response to global concerns regarding these threats, governments collectively ratified the 1979 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) of Wild Animals.
CONVENTION ON CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY SPECIES (CMS):
- The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species boasts a membership of 133 Parties as of March 1, 2022, with Jamaica having signed the original Convention but not yet ratified it, rendering it non-party status.
- CMS, functioning as a United Nations environmental treaty, serves as a global platform dedicated to the conservation and sustainable utilization of migratory animals and their habitats.
- This convention unites Range States—nations through which migratory animals traverse—and establishes a legal framework for internationally coordinated conservation measures across migratory ranges.
- As the sole global convention specializing in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats, and migration routes, CMS collaborates with various international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and media and corporate partners.
- The convention operates as a framework, with agreements ranging from legally binding treaties (referred to as Agreements) to less formal instruments such as Memoranda of Understanding, tailored to the specific needs of distinct regions.
- CMS possesses a distinctive capability to develop models customized to conservation requirements throughout migratory ranges.
APPENDICES-CMS
The Bonn Convention typically features two appendices:
Appendix I (Endangered Species):
- This section lists migratory species facing extinction, and CMS Parties diligently work toward their protection by conserving or restoring habitats, eliminating migration barriers, and controlling other endangering factors.
- CMS promotes coordinated action among the Range States for many of these species and imposes obligations on each joining State.
- The IUCN’s definition of endangered species, indicating a high risk of imminent extinction in the wild, is employed to classify species in this appendix.
Appendix II (Species requiring International Cooperation):
- Appendix II includes migratory species necessitating or substantially benefiting from international cooperation.
- Consequently, the Convention encourages Range States to engage in global or regional agreements.
CMS – SPECIES COVERAGE
- The Conservation of Migratory Species Family encompasses a diverse array of migratory species, including various mammals (terrestrial, marine, and bat mammals), birds, fish, reptiles, and one insect, listed in the appendices of CMS.
- Specific tools, such as the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), address 254 bird species dependent on wetlands during some parts of their annual cycle.
- EUROBATS covers 52 bat species, the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks addresses seven shark species, and the IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU covers six marine turtle species.
- Additionally, the Raptors MoU addresses 76 species of raptors.
CMS- ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE’
Conference of the Parties (COP):
- The Conference of the Parties (COP) stands as the primary decision-making body of the Convention, convening every three years to determine the budget and priorities for the ensuing triennium.
- In addition to deciding on the amendment of the Appendices, COP considers reports submitted by the Parties, the Scientific Council, and the Convention’s Agreements.
- It also advises Parties on the potential conclusion of additional regional Agreements for the conservation of specific species or species groups.
- Comprising all parties to the convention’s states, the COP also welcomes observers participating in its sessions.
Standing Committee:
- The Standing Committee (StC), active between COP meetings, assumes the responsibility of providing policy and administrative guidance.
- Its duties include overseeing interim activities on behalf of COP, ensuring the implementation of decisions, monitoring the budget, making recommendations for COP considerations, offering advice and direction to the Secretariat, representing COP in Secretariat negotiations with the Host Government and UNEP, serving as a bureau at COP, and handling any other ad hoc tasks assigned by COP.
- The Committee typically convenes at least once a year and meets before and after COP sessions.
Scientific Council:
- Meeting between COP sessions, the Scientific Council (ScC) plays a crucial role in providing scientific advice and identifying research and conservation priorities.
- It offers recommendations to the Conference of the Parties on migratory species research, proposes conservation and management measures to address threats to migratory species, suggests the inclusion of species in the Appendices, and designates species for Concerted Actions under the Convention.
- The Council also guides project eligibility for CMS’s Small Grants Programme.
Secretariat:
- The CMS Secretariat, serving as the coordinating body of the Convention, is tasked with various functions specified in Article IX of the Convention.
- These functions encompass organizing and serving at COP, ScC, and StC meetings; encouraging and supporting the creation of agreements; overseeing research and conservation projects; facilitating information exchange among Parties; and engaging with international governments and non-governmental organizations.
- The CMS Secretariat is provided and managed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
CMS AND INDIA
- India became a party to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) in 1983, affirming its commitment to the global conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats.
- India, in collaboration with CMS, has signed several non-binding Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) focused on the protection and management of specific migratory species.
- These include agreements concerning Siberian Cranes (1998), Marine Turtles (2007), Dugongs (2008), and Raptors (2016).
- These MoUs reflect India’s dedication to safeguarding diverse migratory species within its territory.
Biodiversity Contribution:
- India boasts approximately 8% of the world’s known biodiversity, making it a crucial player in global conservation efforts.
- The country encompasses 2.4% of the world’s land area, further highlighting its significance in maintaining ecological balance.
Central Asian Flyway:
The Indian subcontinent, including India, lies within the Central Asian Flyway. This migratory route extends from the Arctic to the Indian Oceans and supports at least 279 populations of 182 migratory waterbird species. Among these, 29 species are globally threatened, underscoring the importance of the region for the conservation of diverse migratory species.
Migratory Species in India:
India provides temporary shelter to numerous migratory species, further enriching its biodiversity. Notable examples include Amur falcons, bar-headed geese, black-necked cranes, marine turtles, dugongs, and humpback whales. These species find refuge in India during specific phases of their migratory journeys.
India’s active engagement with CMS reflects its commitment to global initiatives aimed at preserving migratory species and their habitats. The country’s diverse ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting and conserving a wide array of migratory wildlife.
FAQs – Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
1-What defines “migratory species” under the CMS?
A: “Migratory species” includes any wild animal species or lower taxon whose entire population or a distinct geographic segment regularly crosses national boundaries.
2-How far can the migration journey extend for certain species?
A: For some birds and mammals, migration distances can span thousands of miles or kilometers between habitats.
3-What does a typical migratory route involve?
A: Migratory routes usually include nesting and require suitable habitats both before and after each movement.
4-What challenges do migratory animals face?
A: Migratory species face challenges such as habitat loss in breeding areas, increased hunting along migration routes, and degradation of feeding grounds.
5-Why was the CMS established?
A: The CMS, ratified in 1979, addresses global concerns about threats to migratory species and provides a framework for coordinated conservation efforts among nations.
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