C. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)

Abstract

The year 2017 was highly significant for the CMS, as another triennium of activity culminated in the twelfth Conference of the Parties (COP-12) convened in Manila, Philippines, in October. Following the COP, the CMS welcomed two new parties—the Dominican Republic (1 November) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (1 December), both of which are significant range states for a series of migratory species—thus increasing the membership of the CMS to a total of 126 parties. The COP resulted in a considerable volume of resolutions on an array of matters affecting the conservation status of migratory species. Following a new format, a substantial number of prior resolutions were updated, retaining their original numeration from previous COPs. Beyond the customary administrative formalities—notably, financial matters (Resolution 12.02), the mandate of the Scientific Council (Resolution 12.04), and requirements for national reporting (Resolution 12.05)—an important new executive process was established in the creation of a presidency (Resolution 12.01), mirroring practices in other multilateral agreements. In this regard, in recognition of the extensive administrative efforts required of the COP hosts, the presidency is conferred on the party in question for the subsequent inter-sessional period to provide leadership for the implementation of the CMS and to facilitate cooperation, with the Philippines duly established as the inaugural president. Setting the tone for the coming triennium, the parties adopted the Manila Declaration on Sustainable Development and Migratory Species (Resolution 12.03), which encourages the full implementation of the Strategic Plan for Migratory Species, contributing to the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), improving coordination with other bodies, the pursuit of private sector partnerships, and promoting ‘high-level political awareness and acceptance’ of the importance of migratory species conservation.