The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, generally known as the Bonn Convention or CMS, is an intergovernmental agreement signed under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme. It focuses on the conservation of wildlife and ecosystems on a global scale. It is the only convention that addresses removing or harvesting wild species. 173 migratory species from all over the world are currently protected by the Bonn Convention. The Central African Republic ratified the Bonn Convention on September 1, 2020, making it the most recent nation to do so. This article will explain the Convention On The Conservation Of Migratory Species (CMS) which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

What is the Convention On The Conservation Of Migratory Species (CMS)?

• The Convention on Migratory Species has 133 Parties as of March 1, 2022. One country signed the original Convention but has yet to ratify it and thus is not a Party to it (Jamaica).
• CMS, as a United Nations environmental treaty, provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats.
• CMS brings together the Range States, the States through which migratory animals pass, and establishes the legal framework for internationally coordinated conservation measures across a migratory range.
• CMS, as the only global convention specialising in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats, and migration routes, complements and collaborates with a number of other international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and media and corporate partners.
• CMS serves as a framework Convention and the agreements can range from legally binding treaties (referred to as Agreements) to less formal instruments such as Memoranda of Understanding, and they can be tailored to the needs of specific regions.
• CMS has a unique capability of developing models tailored to conservation needs across the migratory range.

CMS - Appendices

The Bonn Convention usually has two appendices:

Appendix I (Endangered Species)

• Appendix I of the Convention lists migratory species that are facing extinction.
• CMS Parties work hard to protect these animals by conserving or restoring their habitats, removing barriers to migration, and controlling other factors that could endanger them.
• CMS promotes coordinated action among the Range States of many of these species, in addition to establishing obligations for each State that joins the Convention.
• In addition, it uses the IUCN's definition of endangered species—species at a high risk of going extinct in the wild soon—to designate endangered species.

Appendix II (Species requiring International Cooperation)

• Appendix II of the Convention lists migratory species that require or would benefit significantly from international cooperation.
• As a result, the Convention encourages the Range of States to enter into global or regional agreements.

CMS - Species Coverage

• A wide variety of migratory species are included in the Conservation Of Migratory Species Family.
• Numerous mammals, including terrestrial, marine, and bat mammals, as well as birds, fish, reptiles, and one insect, are included in the appendices of CMS.
• Among the tools, the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) addresses 254 bird species that depend on wetlands for at least a portion of their annual cycle.
• 52 species of bats are covered by EUROBATS, seven species of sharks are covered by the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks, and six species of marine turtles are covered by the IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU, and 76 species of raptors are covered by the Raptors MoU.

CMS - Organizational Structure

Conference of the Parties (COP)

• The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the primary decision-making body of the Convention.
• It meets every three years to set the budget and priorities for the next three years (the triennium).
• It also decides on the amendment of the Appendices and takes into account reports submitted by the Parties, the Scientific Council, and the Convention's Agreements.
• It is also tasked with advising Parties on whether additional regional Agreements for the conservation of specific species or groups of species should be concluded.
• It consists of all parties to the convention's states as well as any observers who choose to take part in the conference's sessions.

Standing Committee

• Between meetings, the Standing Committee (StC) provides policy and administrative guidance.
• It is in charge of carrying out interim activities on the COP's behalf, such as:
  • ensure that decisions are carried out
  • keep an eye on the budget
  • make recommendations for the next COP to consider
  • provide advice and direction to the Secretariat
  • represent the COP in negotiations regarding the Secretariat with the Host Government and UNEP
  • serve as a bureau at the COP
  • Serve any other ad hoc task assigned to it by the COP
• Every year, the Committee convenes at least once. Additionally, it typically meets right before and after any COPs.

Scientific Council

• Between COP sessions, the Scientific Council (ScC) meets to provide scientific advice and to identify research and conservation priorities.
• The Council makes recommendations to the Conference of the Parties on migratory species research, specific conservation and management measures in response to migratory species threats, the inclusion of migratory species in the Appendices, and the designation of species for Concerted Actions under the Convention.
• It also provides guidance on project eligibility for CMS's Small Grants Programme.

Secretariat

• The Secretariat creates and promotes agreements, hosts meetings, supports and oversees research and conservation projects, and collaborates with governments and partner organisations.
• The Convention's coordinating body is the CMS Secretariat. Article IX of the Convention specifies its functions. They are as follows:
  • Organize and serve at Conference of the Parties (COP), Scientific Council (ScC), and Standing Committee meetings (StC),
  • encourage and support the creation of agreements;
  • encourage and oversee research and conservation projects;
  • encourage the exchange of information among the Parties; and
  • communicate with international governments and non-governmental organisations.
• The United Nations Environment Programme provides and manages the CMS Secretariat (UNEP).

CMS and India

• India joined the Convention in 1983 and is currently a party to it.
• India and CMS have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the protection and management of Siberian Cranes (1998), Marine Turtles (2007), Dugongs (2008), and Raptors (2016).
• India makes up about 8% of the known global biodiversity and accounts for 2.4 % of the world's land area.
• The Central Asian Flyway, which spans regions between the Arctic and Indian Oceans and is home to at least 279 populations of 182 migratory waterbird species, passes across the Indian subcontinent (including 29 globally threatened species).
• A number of migratory species, such as Amur falcons, bar-headed geese, black-necked cranes, marine turtles, dugongs, and humpback whales, among others, also find temporary shelter in India.

Conclusion

The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) is a United Nations environmental treaty that provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. CMS, the only global convention specialising in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats, and migration routes, complements and collaborates with a number of other international organisations, NGOs, and media and corporate partners.

FAQs

Question. What is the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)?

Question. What are the main objectives of the CMS?

Question. Which types of species are covered under the CMS?

Question. How does the CMS work to achieve its conservation goals?

Question. How many countries are parties to the CMS?

MCQs

1. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) was adopted in which year?

A) 1975

B) 1980

C) 1979

D) 1983

2. Which of the following is NOT a key objective of the CMS?

A) To conserve migratory species and their habitats

B) To promote international cooperation for migratory species conservation

C) To create national parks for all species

D) To address threats like habitat destruction and climate change

3. The CMS covers which types of species?

A) Only birds

B) Only mammals

C) Migratory species across borders, including birds, mammals, fish, and insects

D) Only endangered species

4. Which of the following actions is promoted by the CMS to protect migratory species?

A) National efforts without international coordination

B) International agreements and action plans for species conservation

C) Complete ban on migration of all species

D) Protection of only endangered species

5. As of 2023, how many countries are parties to the CMS?

A) 100

B) 130

C) 150

D) 180

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the importance of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) in global environmental governance.

Answer: The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) plays a critical role in global environmental governance by addressing the unique challenges of conserving species that migrate across national borders. Migratory species, such as birds, mammals, fish, and insects, often face threats that span multiple countries, including habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. The CMS facilitates international cooperation among more than 130 countries, ensuring that these species are conserved throughout their migratory routes. The treaty encourages the development of specific action plans, agreements, and non-binding memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for the protection of individual species or populations. By bringing together governments, scientists, and non-governmental organizations, the CMS creates a collaborative platform for conservation efforts, promoting the sharing of knowledge and best practices. The convention's focus on migratory species is particularly important given their vulnerability and the complex, cross-border nature of their conservation needs.

Q2: Analyze the role of international cooperation under the CMS in conserving migratory species and their habitats.

Answer: International cooperation under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) is fundamental to the effective conservation of migratory species and their habitats. Migratory species often traverse multiple countries during their life cycle, making it essential for nations to collaborate on conservation efforts. The CMS provides a framework for this cooperation by encouraging countries to develop action plans and agreements specific to particular migratory species or groups. These agreements ensure that actions taken by one country do not undermine the conservation efforts of another, creating a coordinated approach to managing migration corridors, habitats, and breeding grounds. Furthermore, the CMS facilitates the exchange of scientific research, policy frameworks, and conservation strategies, helping countries implement best practices and address common threats such as climate change, habitat degradation, and illegal hunting. By fostering cross-border collaboration, the CMS strengthens the global response to the challenges faced by migratory species, promoting a more unified and comprehensive approach to conservation.

Q3: Evaluate the impact of the CMS in promoting the protection of migratory species and their habitats globally.

Answer: The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) has had a significant impact on the protection of migratory species and their habitats globally. By bringing together over 130 countries, the CMS facilitates collaborative efforts that are crucial for the survival of species that migrate across international borders. The CMS has led to the creation of several legally binding agreements and non-binding memoranda of understanding (MOUs) focused on specific species, ensuring that coordinated actions are taken to protect critical habitats and migration routes. One of the key successes of the CMS is the focus on less well-known species that often do not receive attention under other conservation frameworks. Moreover, the CMS promotes capacity-building in countries that are home to migratory species, helping them develop stronger conservation policies and practices. While challenges remain, including enforcement of agreements and addressing threats like climate change, the CMS has played an instrumental role in raising awareness and driving international collaboration for the protection of migratory species, highlighting the importance of a coordinated global response to conservation issues.

Previous Year Questions on CMS

1. UPSC CSE - 2020

Question: "Discuss the role of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) in the protection of global biodiversity."

Answer: The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) plays an important role in the protection of global biodiversity by focusing on species that migrate across national borders. Migratory species, including birds, mammals, fish, and insects, are vital components of ecosystems and biodiversity. However, they face unique challenges due to their need to traverse multiple countries during their life cycle. The CMS facilitates international cooperation among over 130 countries to ensure the protection of these species and their habitats. By creating specific action plans and agreements for individual species, the CMS helps coordinate conservation efforts, ensuring that actions taken by one country complement those of neighboring states. The convention has contributed to global biodiversity conservation by addressing the complex, cross-border nature of migratory species' survival, emphasizing habitat protection, species monitoring, and collaborative research. The CMS has also played a crucial role in raising global awareness of the importance of migratory species and their role in ecosystem health.

2. UPSC CSE - 2019

Question: "Evaluate the success of international agreements such as the CMS in promoting the conservation of migratory species."

Answer: International agreements like the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) have been instrumental in promoting the conservation of migratory species. The success of the CMS is reflected in the increasing number of countries that have joined the convention and the adoption of specific agreements for various species, such as the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and the Memorandum of Understanding on the conservation of migratory sharks. These agreements have led to significant improvements in habitat protection, the regulation of hunting, and better management of migration routes. However, challenges remain, such as the need for better enforcement mechanisms, overcoming political and economic barriers in developing countries, and addressing global threats like climate change. Despite these challenges, the CMS has fostered collaboration among countries, scientific communities, and non-governmental organizations, promoting a more coordinated and global approach to migratory species conservation. Its role in raising awareness and providing a platform for countries to exchange knowledge and best practices has been crucial in advancing the protection of migratory species globally.