Full Breakdown
UN Convention Expands Protections for Migratory Species
3/30/2026, 12:55:07 AM
New Species Listed for Protection
On March 29, 2023, the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) concluded its COP15 summit in Campo Verde, Brazil, by approving the listing of 40 new species for international protection. Among these are the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), the Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica), and the great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran). The decision reflects growing concerns over the declining populations of migratory species, with nearly half of all species catalogued by the CMS showing signs of decline.
Threats to Migratory Species
The newly listed species face various threats, including habitat destruction, climate change, and overfishing. The snowy owl, once prevalent in regions such as Canada and the northern United States, is experiencing population declines, particularly in areas like Sweden, where it has been declared regionally extinct due to a lack of food sources like lemmings. Similarly, hammerhead sharks are threatened by overfishing, as their fins and cartilage are highly sought after in global markets. The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), another newly protected species, is losing its habitat due to deforestation and pollution in South America.
International Cooperation for Conservation
The CMS obligates member countries to protect listed species and their habitats, necessitating international cooperation to address the multifaceted threats these species face. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, deputy executive director of the UN Environment Programme, emphasized the interconnectedness of these species and the ecosystems they inhabit, stating, "Their journeys link continents, link oceans, link ecosystems and cultures — and ultimately, all of us."
Official Statements & Responses
Norway has proposed placing the snowy owl on Appendix II of the CMS, which would encourage cooperative conservation efforts for species not yet critically endangered. In contrast, Ecuador is advocating for two critically endangered species to be listed on Appendix I, which mandates full protection measures. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has assessed the snowy owl as threatened, and consultations regarding its protection are ongoing.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive steps taken at the summit, some experts express concern over the effectiveness of these measures. Niklas Aronsson, an editor at Vår Fågelvärld, noted that the snowy owl's decline in Sweden is alarming, stating, "Suddenly they're just gone, vanished." He highlighted the need for increased awareness and action to address the threats facing these species.
What's Next
As the CMS moves forward, the focus will be on implementing protective measures for the newly listed species and fostering international collaboration to combat the threats they face. The outcomes of these efforts will be crucial in determining the future of migratory species worldwide.
