CONVENTION ON MIGRATORY SPECIES (CMS)

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), also known as the Bonn Convention, is an international treaty designed to conserve migratory species and their habitats. It aims to address the threats faced by migratory animals and promote cooperation among countries to ensure their conservation. The CMS was adopted in Bonn, Germany, in 1979 and entered into force in 1983. It was developed under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Over the years, the CMS has grown significantly, with parties to the convention adopting various resolutions and agreements to address specific conservation challenges.

Objectives of the Convention

• The primary objective of the CMS is to conserve migratory species throughout their range, ensuring their long-term survival.
• The convention aims to protect the habitats of migratory species, including breeding grounds, feeding areas, and migration routes.
• CMS promotes international cooperation and collaboration among countries to address common conservation challenges, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
• The convention seeks to raise awareness about the importance of migratory species and their conservation among governments, stakeholders, and the public.

• Conference of the Parties (COP) The highest decision-making body of the CMS, consisting of representatives from parties to the convention who meet regularly to discuss conservation issues and adopt measures to promote the objectives of the convention.
• CMS facilitates the development of Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between parties to address specific conservation challenges faced by migratory species. These agreements focus on species listed in Appendices I and II of the convention.
• The convention categorises migratory species into Appendices I, II, and III based on their conservation status and the level of protection required. Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction, while Appendix II includes species that would benefit from international cooperation.
• CMS encourages the development of species action plans by parties to address the conservation needs of specific migratory species. These plans outline conservation measures, research priorities, and monitoring strategies.

Implementation and Impact

• The CMS has over 130 parties, including countries, territories, and regional economic integration organizations, making it one of the most widely supported international treaties for wildlife conservation.
• The convention has led to significant conservation successes, including the recovery of species populations, the establishment of protected areas, and the implementation of conservation measures along migration routes.
• CMS has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of migratory species conservation and advocating for their protection at the national and international levels.

Challenges and Future Directions

• Habitat loss and degradation remain significant threats to migratory species, requiring continued efforts to protect and restore critical habitats.
• Climate Change poses new challenges for migratory species, affecting their habitats, migration patterns, and food availability. CMS is increasingly focusing on addressing the impacts of climate change on migratory wildlife.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade poses a threat to many migratory species, leading to population declines and species extinctions. CMS works with parties to combat illegal trade and strengthen enforcement efforts.

 

3. What are Migratory Species?

Migratory species are animals that undertake regular, predictable journeys across one or more national borders. These journeys are driven by various factors, most commonly:

• Seasonal changes: Searching for food, breeding grounds, or milder climates. Think of birds flying south for the winter, or whales migrating to warmer waters for calving.
• Habitat availability: Adapting to seasonal changes in resource availability, such as salmon swimming upstream to spawn.
• Life stages: Moving between different areas for specific needs like feeding grounds for juveniles or breeding grounds for adults.

key characteristics of migratory species

• Cyclicality: The movements occur repeatedly over time, even if not always with perfect regularity.
• Predictability: The patterns of migration are generally well-understood and can be anticipated.
• Cross-border: The journeys typically involve crossing national borders, making international cooperation essential for their conservation.

These journeys can be incredibly long and complex, with some species travelling thousands of kilometres each year. Examples of migratory species include:

• Birds: From tiny hummingbirds to majestic cranes, countless bird species migrate across continents.
• Mammals: Whales, seals, and even some ungulates like reindeer and wildebeest undertake long-distance migrations.
• Fishes: Salmon, tuna, and eels are just a few examples of fish that migrate vast distances for spawning or feeding.
• Insects: Butterflies like the Monarch butterfly and some locust species are known for their impressive migrations.

 

4. What is Fly Away?

Flyaways are geographical areas used by a single or group of migratory birds during their annual cycle. These include breeding areas, moulting, stop-overs, staging (birds gathering before migration) and wintering areas. 

Fly Away's in the Indian Sub-Continent

There are 9 flyaways in the world 3 of them pass through the Indian Sub-Continent

 

Central Asian Flyaway (CAF)

• Migration route covers over 30 Countries for different waterbirds
• It connects the northernmost breeding grounds in Siberia, Russia to the Southernmost non-breeding grounds in West and South Asia, the Maldives and the British Ocean Territory 
• India provides important stopover sites to over 90% of the bird species passing through this route

 

East Asian Astralasian Fly Way (EAAF)

• It extends from Arctic Russia and North America to the southern limits of Australia and Newzealand
• It covers a large area of East Asia and all of Southeast Asia. Importantly, it includes eastern India as well as the Andaman Nicobar Islands
• This flyaway region covers 30 countries of North, Central and South Asia and the Trans Caucasus
• It covers at least 279 populations of 182 migratory species, including 29 globally threatened and near threatened species 

 

Asian East African Flyaway (AEAF)

• It extends from Arctic Russia to South Africa and Madagascar in Africa 
• In the Indian Sub-Continent covers the area from west of the Tibetan Plateau and  Himalayans including Central Asia and West Asia, North Western India also covered

 

• India has actively participated in the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) since 1983, signifying its commitment to the conservation of migratory animals and birds.
• According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India serves as a temporary habitat for various migratory species, including the Amur Falcons, Bar-headed Geese, Black-necked Cranes, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, and Humpbacked Whales.
• The Indian sub-continent plays a crucial role in the major bird flyway network known as the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), extending from the Arctic to the Indian Oceans. This flyway encompasses at least 279 populations of 182 migratory water-bird species, with 29 of them classified as globally threatened.
• Recognizing the significance of this, India has launched a National Action Plan specifically aimed at conserving migratory species under the Central Asian Flyway.
• As of a February 2019 press release by the Ministry, India had established non-legally binding Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the CMS concerning the conservation and management of Siberian Cranes (1998), Marine Turtles (2007), Dugongs (2008), and Raptors (2016).
• The upcoming CMS COP13 is expected to yield significant outcomes, including negotiated decisions, political commitments, and the introduction of new initiatives.
• Proposed additions for protection under the CMS include 10 new species such as the Asian Elephant, Jaguar, Great Indian Bustard, and Smooth Hammerhead Shark.
• Additionally, discussions will focus on adopting dedicated concerted actions for 12 different species, including the Giraffe, Ganges River Dolphin, Common Guitarfish, and Antipodean Albatross.