Opening in Campo Grande (MS) highlighted the Pantanal biome as a symbol of connectivity and signals a new phase of implementation and international cooperation for CMS The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP15) opened this Monday (March 23) in Campo Grande under the theme “Connecting nature to sustain life.” With nearly 2,000 participants, the event marks the first time Brazil assumes the presidency of the conference dedicated to the global protection of migratory species.

Right from the opening, the Pantanal was highlighted as a symbol of ecological connectivity and the integration of science, public policies, and traditional knowledge. The start of the conference was also marked by warnings about the worsening situation of these species worldwide.

Recent reports indicate an increased risk of extinction and population decline, reinforcing the need for coordinated responses among countries. In light of this, authorities and experts called for greater international cooperation and for scientific knowledge to be translated into effective policies.

As Brazil takes on the presidency of the CMS COP for the next triennium, João Paulo Capobianco, Executive Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA), advocated for an implementation-focused agenda, with expanded partnerships, increased investment, and strengthened international cooperation. Brazil’s leadership was well received by international representatives, who see the conference as an opportunity to advance negotiations toward concrete outcomes.

In her opening remarks, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateralism and the global environmental agenda.

Hosting COP15, according to the Minister, is an opportunity to strengthen the protection of species listed in Appendices I and II of the Convention, expand cooperation initiatives, and reinforce integrated actions on issues such as ecological connectivity and climate change.

The conference agenda includes more than 100 negotiation items, covering topics such as combating illegal hunting, habitat loss, and the impacts of pollution and deep-sea mining. The inclusion of 42 new species in the Convention’s protection lists is also under discussion, including marine predators, migratory birds, and large mammals, as well as strengthening joint action among countries along migratory routes — known as Concerted Actions.

As a Party, Brazil leads or co-leads seven listing proposals, including fish species such as the Brazilian sharpnose shark (cação-cola-fina), the angular angelshark (cação-anjo-espinhoso), and the surubim catfish (pintado), as well as birds such as the upland sandpiper (maçarico-de-bico-torto), the rufous-chested dotterel (maçarico-de-bico-virado), and the Pantanal seedeater (caboclinho-do-pantanal).

MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY

• COP15 opened on World Bear Day, with a warning about the global decline of migratory fauna;
• Data indicate a worsening scenario: a UN report shows that 24% of listed species are threatened and 49% are experiencing population decline;
• CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel highlighted a report pointing to increased extinction risk and called for greater international cooperation;
• Scientist Alexandre Zerbini warned about threats to whales and emphasized the need to translate science into large-scale policies;
• Biologist Tatiana Neves drew attention to risks facing albatrosses and pointed to solutions such as changes in fishing practices and international cooperation;
• The program included administrative discussions, review of reports, and budgetary matters of the Convention;
• The “Night of the Champions” honored outstanding initiatives in the protection of migratory species.

Press briefing

During the first press briefing, Brazilian authorities, scientists, and UN representatives emphasized the severity of the global decline of migratory species and the urgent need for international cooperation to ensure their preservation. They also stressed that these animals connect ecosystems and countries, and that their protection depends on joint action among nations.

Participants included Minister Marina Silva, COP15 President João Paulo Capobianco, CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNEP Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Mrema, and Head of Nature Conserved at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Kelly Malsch.

Brazil was identified as a strategic actor in this effort, both due to its biodiversity and its role as COP15 host and President of the Convention. Marina Silva highlighted recent progress, including the expansion of protected areas, reduction of deforestation, and public policies addressing climate change, as well as the country’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation, increasing investment, and advancing scientific production. New scientific studies and global reports guiding Convention decisions were also presented.

Representatives emphasized that, despite the concerning scenario, there is room for progress based on science, public policies, and multilateral agreements. COP15 is seen as an opportunity to turn commitments into concrete actions and expand biodiversity protection on a global scale.

Minister Marina Silva also stressed that biodiversity conservation depends on traditional communities and the strengthening of public policies. She noted that Brazil has expanded sustainable-use areas, advanced efforts to combat deforestation and protect Indigenous territories, and expanded programs such as Bolsa Verde, as well as financial instruments like the Amazon Fund. She also called for greater international cooperation and the protection of environmental defenders, noting that further efforts are still needed.

Opening of the Brazil Space

The Brazil Space program at COP15 began with discussions on protecting routes, habitats, and critical areas for migratory species. Highlights included panels on the conservation of South Atlantic whales, climate impacts on Amazonian fish, and the integration of environmental health and biodiversity.

Representatives of the Government of Brazil reaffirmed their commitment to science-based public policies, cooperation, and implementation. The whale conservation discussion gained particular relevance following the recent creation of the Albardão Marine National Park and the Albardão Environmental Protection Area (APA) on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul, expanding protection for strategic marine ecosystems.

Wildlife and health

The integration of human, animal, and environmental health was also highlighted in a side event organized by the Government of Brazil at COP15. The One Health concept was presented as a key strategy to prevent global health crises, based on an integrated approach that enables early detection of diseases and even pandemics, such as COVID-19.

Experts noted that approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals, reinforcing the importance of wildlife monitoring to detect risks before they reach humans. Examples such as avian influenza highlight the need for international cooperation and information sharing.

Reopening of the Pantaneiro House

The reopening of the Pantaneiro House marked the launch of the “Connections Without Borders” space during COP15. Coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA), the venue hosts cultural, scientific, and gastronomic activities related to the Pantanal, bringing civil society closer to discussions on conservation and climate change.

Reopened after more than ten years, the space expands the conference infrastructure and reinforces integration among different stakeholders in the environmental agenda. The initiative takes place alongside the expansion of protected areas in the biome, announced by the Government of Brazil, with a focus on strengthening ecological corridors.

(With information from the Earth Negotiations Bulletin)

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