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By Loïs Lelanchon, Head of Partnerships and Advocacy, WAZA
The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP15) recently concluded in Campo Grande, Brazil. As the only global convention specialising in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats, and migration routes, CMS plays a pivotal role in the international biodiversity framework. For WAZA, the outcomes of this COP represent an important roadmap for cross-border conservation and highlight the growing relevance for the global zoo and aquarium community in implementing these international mandates.
Entered into force in 1983, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, also known as the Bonn Convention, currently counts 133 Parties, representing a significant global commitment to protecting animals that move across national jurisdictional boundaries. The Convention operates primarily through two Appendices that establish the level of protection and cooperation required for listed species:
By bridging the gap between national conservation efforts, CMS ensures that migratory pathways, whether in the air, on land, or at sea, remain functional and safe for the world’s most mobile wildlife.
The deliberations at COP15 were informed by the landmark 2024 State of the World’s Migratory Species report, the first comprehensive assessment of its kind. The 2024 data revealed a sobering reality: nearly half (44%) of CMS-listed species were showing population declines, and one in five were threatened with extinction.
This baseline was further updated in 2026 with an interim report that underscored the accelerating nature of the biodiversity crisis. According to the 2026 update, the percentage of CMS-listed species experiencing population declines has risen to 49%. Furthermore, the report indicates that nearly 24% of all listed migratory species are now at risk of extinction. The primary drivers remain consistent: habitat loss and fragmentation, overexploitation, and the increasing pressures of climate change.
Despite these figures, the reports also highlighted the efficacy of coordinated international action. The recovery of species such as the Scimitar-horned oryx, which has transitioned from “Extinct in the Wild” to “Endangered” thanks to collaborative reintroduction efforts involving WAZA members, serves as a vital proof of concept in support of the CMS mission.
The conclusion of COP15 saw the adoption of upgraded or new protections for 40 migratory animal species, a move that significantly strengthens global conservation. These listings reflect the diverse range of taxa that rely on transboundary connectivity for survival.
A total of 40 species, sub-species, and populations were added to or upgraded within CMS Appendices I and II, triggering mandates for protection and cooperation:
COP15 approved 16 new Concerted Actions, targeting species such as the Chimpanzee, Eurasian Lynx, Straw-colored Fruit Bat, and various Giraffe species. The effectiveness of this mechanism was evidenced by a report showing that the combined number of the four giraffe species increased by approximately 20%, from 113,000 to 140,000, between 2020 and 2025 due to previous Concerted Actions. Other species benefiting from these actions include the Sperm whale, Blue Shark, and all Devil and Manta Ray species.
Additionally, 10 new or updated species-focused Action Plans were adopted, providing regional conservation frameworks for the Jaguar, European Eel, Arabian Sea Humpback Whales, Amazonian Migratory Catfish, and various migratory landbirds and vultures.
At COP15, the CMS Secretariat officially launched a major Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI), a collaborative global effort under CMS that will bring together governments, international organisations, scientists, conservation organisations, and Indigenous Peoples and local communities to address the drivers of illegal and unsustainable taking.
Groundbreaking scientific tools were also unveiled to guide policy:
In recognition of sustained commitment, 9 new Champions of Migratory Species were honored.
The Parties also adopted critical resolutions targeting the “threats of the future”:
As the voice for the global community of zoos and aquariums, WAZA’s participation in CMS COP15 aligns with its ongoing commitment to explore relevant frameworks for international cooperation, where our community can deliver the most meaningful impact and specialised expertise.
While WAZA maintains its long-standing commitment to frameworks such as CITES, CBD and IUCN, the evolving contributions of our community increasingly intersect with the CMS mandate for several key reasons:
Ultimately, the outcomes of CMS COP15 in Brazil represent a significant step forward in the global effort to protect the “connective tissue” of our planet’s ecosystems, underscoring that the conservation of migratory species requires the seamless integration of policy, science, and public engagement. As we build on this momentum, the focus shifts to the future: the Federal Government of Germany will host COP16 in Bonn in 2029. This upcoming summit will be a historic milestone, marking the 50th anniversary of the Bonn Convention and providing a vital opportunity to celebrate five decades of cooperation while reinforcing our commitment to a connected, biodiverse world.
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.
