To celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on 9 May, it's a fitting moment to reflect, in our latest blog post, on the remarkable outcomes from a recently held critical conference for international conservation – the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP-15) – and JNCC's significant role within it.
The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Migratory Species
In late March 2026, James Williams, Sarah Scott-Marshall and Ian Mitchell from JNCC's International Advice Team travelled to Campo Grande, Brazil, to take part in the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP15), held between 23 and 29 March. They joined a ten-strong UK delegation, led by Defra, for what proved to be a highly productive week of technical discussions and negotiations with 75 other parties.
Migratory species are a shared resource, which makes international co-operation essential to conserve them – actions in one country need to be complemented by similar not contradictory actions in other jurisdictions. The meeting delivered extraordinary results. Around 120 documents were considered, with 31 Resolutions, 16 Concerted Actions and 9 Action Plans adopted or updated.
Positive news for migratory species
Forty species were added to the Convention's appendices, a significant step forward for migratory species. Snowy Owl was added to Appendix II of the Convention, in recognition of the threats this iconic Arctic species faces from climate change impacts on its prey – lemmings. Appendix II covers migratory species in unfavourable conservation status that would benefit from international cooperation. Countries are encouraged to form global or regional agreements to manage and protect these species.
Hudsonian Whimbrel, Hudsonian Godwit and Lesser Yellowlegs, species that migrate along the Americas Flyway using UK Overseas Territories in the Caribbean and the Falkland Islands as stopover and wintering sites, were ‘uplisted’ from Appendix II to Appendix I. Appendix I lists migratory species facing a very high risk of extinction. Countries that are signatories to CMS and are home to these species must strictly protect them by banning hunting, preserving habitats, and removing migration barriers.
Another notable outcome was the uplisting of five shark species (Scalloped and Great Hammerhead, Pelagic, Bigeye and Common Thresher) to Appendix I of the Convention. This means that Parties should not intentionally catch and kill these species in their fisheries, a decision strongly supported by several UK Overseas Territories where the species are found.
The birds and the bigger picture
As we celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, we welcome agreement of a paper on marine flyways – very important given the many seabird nesting colonies found on UK shores, particularly in Scotland.
Flyways feature in JNCC’s work under the Agreement on the conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) – one of the subsidiary agreements under CMS. The 9th AEWA Meeting of Parties recently adopted new priorities for seabird conservation, proposed by the UK; JNCC will be leading work by the AEWA Technical Committee to help translate those priorities into action. Seabirds are amongst the most threatened groups of birds, with conservation actions urgently needed.
Parties also agreed stronger actions to prevent illegal killing, taking and trade of migratory birds, as well as actions to prevent poisoning of migratory birds. In particular, the UK was commended for introducing new legislation which limits the use of lead shot in shooting and angling, which poses a major threat to waterbirds from poisoning when they accidentally ingest it. Work was also progressed to identify Internationally Important Raptor Areas, and action plans were adopted for Bustards, Steppe Eagle and Saker Falcon.
JNCC's contribution and a well-earned recognition
JNCC staff were deeply involved throughout the period between COP14 in Samarkand and COP15: in particular, JNCC led the development of new case studies on the ecosystem services migratory species support in relation to climate change adaptation and mitigation, a review on the impacts of climate change on cetaceans, as well as a review of one health case studies related to migratory species. At COP15 JNCC’s staff provided technical advice in working groups and in bilateral conversations with other delegations and with representatives from non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations. That sustained effort since the last COP paid dividends, most notably in the agreement of papers on climate change and wildlife health. These were welcomed by the COP and will act as valuable guidance for Parties.
The UK also championed a new Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species which will address sustainable use of migratory species and consider how domestic take (not covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) may affect the species listed on the Convention. This ambitious programme of work will be helped by the moderate budget increase agreed through a budget working group chaired by Defra.
It is also wonderful to congratulate James Williams on being elected as a full member of the Sessional Committee of the Scientific Council for the European Region – a step up from his role as Alternate since 2017, and a fitting recognition of his expertise and dedication. The Scientific Council is the group of experts that provide technical and scientific guidance to the countries signed up to this treaty.
As we celebrate the incredible lifecycles of migratory birds today, the work done in Campo Grande helps ensure these species have a better chance of completing their journeys safely for the future.
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