Press releases

Historic UN Wildlife Meeting Concludes with Major Set of Actions for the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

A host of new measures to safeguard migratory species, have been adopted at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) concluded today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Among the measures agreed: the addition of 14 additional species to the coverage of the Convention, including the Eurasian Lynx, Pallas’s Cat and Sand Tiger Shark.  Other measures were adopted to safeguard species such as the chimpanzee and giraffe.

17 February 2024

Major New Global Initiative to Protect and Connect Natural Areas Launched at UN Wildlife Meeting

The destruction, degradation and fragmentation of natural habitat is one of the two greatest threats to migratory species of wild animals.  Today a major new initiative was launched at the UN wildlife meeting taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to ensure that areas of importance to migratory species are identified, protected and connected. Known as the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity (GPEC), the announcement took place on the margins of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

14 February 2024

Landmark UN Report Reveals Shocking State of Wildlife: the World’s Migratory Species of Animals are in Decline, and the Global Extinction Risk Is Increasing

The first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report was launched today by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity treaty, at the opening of a major UN wildlife conservation conference (CMS COP14).

13 February 2024

Major UN Meeting on Migratory Species Conservation Opens in Uzbekistan

14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Opens under the slogan, "Nature Knows No Borders.”

12 February 2024

Major New UN Report Finds Climate Change is Severely Impacting Migratory Species of Wild Animals

Climate change is already having catastrophic impacts on many migratory animals and their ability to provide vital ecosystem services to humanity according to a major new report of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity treaty. Released today at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai (UNFCCC COP28), the report finds that the direct effects of climate change on many migratory species are already being seen, including poleward range shifts, changes in the timing of migration, and reduced breeding success and survival.

10 December 2023

Global Campaign Highlights Importance of Water for Birds

World Migratory Bird Day 2023 is here, focusing on the theme "Water: Sustaining Bird Life." On October 14th, people and organizations all over the world will come together to raise awareness and take action. Water is essential to the survival of migratory birds. From breeding to resting, and refueling during migration and wintering, migratory birds rely on lakes, rivers, ponds, coastal wetlands, and even moisture found in seeds, flowers, and mist.

11 October 2023

Meeting of all African Range States Results in Agreement on Key Priorities for Iconic African Carnivore Species

African Range States of the African Lion (Panthera leo), Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), Leopard (Panthera pardus) and African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) met from 1 – 4 May in Uganda and agreed on a set of key priorities for the urgent conservation and sustainable management of these four carnivore species. The meeting was convened jointly by the Secretariats of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) under the African Carnivores Initiative (ACI).

29 June 2023

New UN Report on Reducing Major Impacts of Noise Pollution on Marine Wildlife

On World Oceans Day, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) released a landmark report aimed at addressing a major threat to marine species: noise pollution. Noise pollution is known to cause significant disturbance to marine wildlife, including migratory species protected under CMS such as whales and dolphins (and their prey). Such impacts can result in adverse changes to entire marine ecosystems.

08 June 2023

New Guide Helps Cities Curb Light Pollution Impacts on Wildlife

Today a new online guide is being launched to help cities around the world reduce the impacts of light pollution on wildlife.  The guide, “Curb Light Pollution in Your City,” offers facts, successful case studies, information resources, and a checklist for cities to reduce the harmful effects of artificial lighting on wild animals.

14 April 2023