Brazil advances international proposal to protect the Amazon river dolphin and expand protection across the biome’s basin; initiative aims to establish a conservation area and bring more countries into the Convention as it heads into the final plenary this Sunday (March 29) Delegates at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) focused their final efforts on Saturday morning (March 28) to resolve outstanding issues ahead of the decisive plenary taking place this Sunday (March 29).

In plenary, discussions progressed on consolidating draft texts reflecting negotiations conducted throughout the week across multiple thematic fronts, ranging from the protection of bird, terrestrial and aquatic species to institutional and cross-cutting issues.

A significant share of these proposals was forwarded for final deliberation by the Conference, including measures aimed at strengthening resource mobilization—an issue considered critical for the implementation of agreements.

NEGOTIATION AGENDA

Brazil signaled that it intends to propose, at the next Conference, the creation of a conservation area dedicated to the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), a species that occurs in the country and is already listed in CMS Appendix II. The initiative seeks to engage other nations in the Amazon basin that are not yet Parties to the Convention, while strengthening regional partnerships for biodiversity protection.

One of the most sensitive moments occurred during discussions on incorporating elements of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development—adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit, 1992)—into official Conference documents. After hours of deadlock, countries reached an understanding and agreed on a package of documents, which was then forwarded to the plenary for consideration.

The inclusion of the Rio Declaration added political weight to COP15 negotiations. The debate involves principles such as sustainable development and common but differentiated responsibilities, which directly influence the balance between environmental conservation and economic growth—a central issue for developing countries such as Brazil.

In this and other specific instances, Brazil:

• Advocated for the inclusion of the Rio Declaration as a central reference in COP15 documents;
• Argued that the Declaration should be incorporated in full, rather than through isolated principles;
• Reinforced the importance of the Rio Declaration as a foundation for sustainable development, highlighting its relevance to CMS topics such as insect decline;
• Drew attention to resistance from some countries to the application of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), supported by Global South nations;
• Proposed reopening negotiations on resource mobilization, with support from countries such as Ecuador and Chile;
• Supported the renewal of conservation actions for the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), alongside Uruguay and the Dominican Republic, as well as international organizations such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC), the Animal Welfare Institute, and OceanCare;
• Also supported measures for Lahille’s bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus), reinforcing international cooperation for species protection;
• Announced its intention to propose, at the next Conference, a conservation area for the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), aiming to expand adherence to the Convention among Amazon basin countries;
• Led the proposal to create a conservation area for the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus), focusing on updating the regional protection plan for the species and securing international support.

The presentation by the Management Committee of 11 concerted action proposals (new or renewed), targeting migratory species already listed or proposed for inclusion in the Convention’s appendices, also stood out. These initiatives were widely supported by member countries, which emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation in response to the multiple threats faced by these species along their migratory routes.

Summary of negotiations and Brazil’s engagement up to Saturday (March 28)

FOR FINAL PLENARY CONSIDERATION

• Inclusion of the barred sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans) in Appendix II;
• Inclusion of the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) in Appendices I and II (French proposal with Brazilian support);
• Resolution and action plan for Amazonian catfish such as dourada (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii) and piramutaba (Brachyplatystoma vaillantii);
• Inclusion of the narrownose smooth-hound (Mustelus schmitti) in Appendix II;
• Inclusion of petrels (genera Pterodroma and Pseudobulweria, including species occurring in Brazil);
• Inclusion of the Hudsonian whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus) in Appendix I;
• Inclusion of the Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) in Appendix I;
• Inclusion of the Iberá seedeater (Sporophila iberaensis) in Appendix II;
• Concerted action for the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus);
• Concerted action for the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), which does not occur in Brazil but is supported by the country under the Irish Basking Shark Group proposal;
• Concerted action for the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), including renewal of the initiative;
• Concerted action for Lahille’s bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus);
• Proposals for concerted actions and action plans for mobula rays (with species occurring in Brazil).

WITHDRAWN

• Inclusion of the angular angelshark (Squatina guggenheim) in Appendix II.

A living legacy: tree planting

The Conference leaves a legacy in Campo Grande (MS) with the creation of the COP15 Grove. Inaugurated this Saturday (March 28) by the President of COP15 and Executive Secretary of Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA), João Paulo Capobianco, the site received 250 seedlings of native Cerrado species and fruit trees, bringing together international delegations and local authorities around the theme “Connecting nature to sustain life.”

Conceived as a permanent ecological refuge in an urban area, the grove includes species such as ipês, jacarandás and angicos, contributing to wildlife circulation, pollinator support and strengthening connectivity between habitats. The initiative, a partnership between the Government of Brazil, the Government of Mato Grosso do Sul and the Municipality of Campo Grande, also helps offset greenhouse gas emissions from COP15.

Beyond its environmental impact, the planting symbolized a collective commitment to biodiversity and urban sustainability. During the inauguration, Capobianco highlighted the site’s potential to promote genetic exchange and provide shelter for wildlife, while CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel emphasized the symbolic value of bringing people and nature closer together. The Carandá Grove thus stands as a lasting legacy of COP15, integrating environmental conservation into daily urban life.

The world’s largest freshwater aquarium

As part of the COP15 agenda, delegates participated in a technical visit to the BioParque Pantanal. The activity offered an immersive experience in Brazilian biodiversity and conservation strategies developed in Mato Grosso do Sul, highlighting the integration of science, environmental education and conservation.

Located in Parque das Nações Indígenas, the complex stands out for its robust infrastructure and research-oriented mission. With hundreds of species, the BioParque Pantanal goes beyond public visitation and is establishing itself as a key center for neotropical fauna conservation. A large portion of its tanks is dedicated to scientific research, yielding significant results such as unprecedented breeding records and the management of endangered species.

Among the highlights, the work of the Neotropical Fish Conservation Center drew the attention of international delegations. Its results reinforce the facility’s role in supporting species conservation and maintaining biodiversity, while also demonstrating the importance of bringing scientific knowledge closer to society.

The visit also underscored the impact of the BioParque Pantanal on education and environmental awareness. Representatives from different countries emphasized the importance of initiatives that connect people to nature, especially in a context of increasing pressures on migratory species. Since its inauguration in 2022, the site has welcomed more than one million visitors and is consolidating itself as a benchmark for conservation in Latin America.

Connection Without Borders

The educational program featured workshops, interactive activities and audiovisual screenings aimed at environmental awareness, focusing on themes such as wildfires and water resource conservation.

Among the activities, the workshop “Labareda’s Crew: talking about wildfires” used the Cine Labareda platform to address, in an educational way, the impacts of fire on ecosystems. The activity included interactive dynamics with educational materials, primarily targeting children and youth.

The program also included the EducaPantanal Itinerant Green Room, which hosted Cine Ecofalante sessions on themes such as “Water and Gender” and “Caring for Water,” along with discussions on sustainability and responsible use of natural resources.

The program concluded with the activity “Hugging Jorge,” an educational afternoon organized in partnership with the Tamanduá Institute, focused on raising awareness about the conservation of Brazilian wildlife.

(With information from Earth Negotiations Bulletin)

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