Outcomes from a High-level Segment taking place on the eve of CMS COP13 will help to ensure that migratory species are prioritized in a new 10-year UN global biodiversity framework. CMS COP13 will kick off the ‘super year’ for biodiversity, which will culminate in the adoption of the new framework during the UN Biodiversity Conference in October.

The magical nocturnal spectacle of dancing fireflies could become a rare sight in the future. Light pollution is being cited as a leading threat to fireflies and other insects. In addition, declines in insect populations directly affect animals that feed on them. And, by brightening the night sky, artificial light impacts other species, too. Turtles, seabirds and shorebirds, as well as ecosystems at large are under threat. Light pollution can disrupt critical behaviour in wildlife, stall the recovery of threatened species and interfere with their ability to undertake long-distance migrations integral to their life cycle.

Decisions at CMS COP13 will result in targeted action on aquatic wild meat, which is a fast-emerging threat on a scale similar to that facing terrestrial animals. The CMS Aquatic Wild Meat Working Group – which has focused mainly on mammals and reptiles - is poised to expand its scope to cover all shark and ray species listed on CMS Appendix I. Criteria will also be developed to consider aquatic species listed on Appendix II, while more attention will be given to the harvesting of seabirds.