Stronger resolve

In the face of climate change, countries make a slew of commitments to ensure conservation of migratory species

- HIMANSHU N

THE RECENT global conference on conserving migratory species had many firsts. The 14th Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the UN Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species and Wild Animals (CMS) was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking the first meeting for any UN environmental treaty in Central Asia. It also began on February 12 with the launch of the first-ever "State of the World's Migratory Species", which reveals how human-led disruptions threaten nearly half of the CMS-listed species. And, this meet saw more than 50 resolutions on migratory species, prompting CMS executive secretary Amy Fraenkel to assess it as the "best cop ever".

One of the major outcomes of the meet, the "Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species 2024-2032", details six goals on ensuring improved conservation status of migratory species; restoration and maintenance of their habitats and ranges; reduction in threats; and measures for effective implementation of CMS. Parties also passed a resolution acknowledging the contribution of CMS to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.