The Eleventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) approved 31 proposals to add species to the convention's two appendices to improve the conservation status of endangered species, these included a record 21 shark, ray and sawfish species.
Thanks to the unusual number of aquatic species approved, the conference was nicknamed the "Shark's COP," CMS reported. Despite the focus on these species, a number of mammals and migratory birds were also a protection focus.
"Cuvier's beaked-whale proposed by the European Union was added to Appendix I and the Polar Bear (Norway) was added to Appendix II. For bird species, the Semipalmated Sandpiper (Ecuador and Paraguay), the Great Knot (Philippines), the European Roller (European Union) and the Great Bustard (Mongolia) were listed on Appendix I, while the Canada Warbler (Ecuador) has been confirmed for Appendix II. The Red-fronted Gazelle (Niger and Senegal) will benefit from full protection, whereas international cooperation is recommended for the White-eared Kob (Ethiopia) following its inclusion in Appendix II. The European Eel (Monaco) has been added to Appendix II." CMS reported.
Norway was especially concerned with Polar Bear conservation because they have been highly affected by the massive amount of sea ice lost to climate change.Migratory birds were also a high priority for CMS, and many countries agreed to take legal action against trapping and hunting of these crucial species.
CMS looked at the threat posed by renewable energy to bats, birds, and cetaceans. The Convention investigated how developments such as winds turbines, solar panels, and dams can be deployed in a more wildlife-friendly way.
In terms of the marine environment, resolutions regarding plastic and other types of pollution were reached as well as for the capture of cetaceans and boat-based wildlife watching.
"The decisions made by Governments at the CMS Conference reflects the growing awareness that the responsibility for protecting wildlife is a shared one, and that the threats to wildlife can be tackled most effectively through global cooperation," said Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, which administers the Convention.
