Decisions 13.130 to 13.134 - Infrastructure Development and Migratory Species

Parties are requested to provide information, via their National Reports on measures taken to implement Resolution 7.2 (Rev.COP12) Impact Assessment and Migratory Species, paragraph 2 and share information on challenges, lessons learnt and needs for further capacity development.

The Scientific Council is requested to, subject to the availability of resources establish a multi-stakeholder Working Group on linear infrastructure composed of stakeholders with experience and knowledge on the impact of linear infrastructure development on migratory species and options for mitigation. The Working Group is asked to: a) review available information relevant to linear infrastructure development and potential impacts on migratory species, the compilation of responses received under Decision 13.130 as compiled by the Secretariat in accordance with Decision 13.133 (a), and other relevant information; b) identify areas where further assistance is needed to enhance the implementation of Resolution 7.2 (Rev.COP12) Impact Assessment and Migratory Species paragraph 2, which urges Parties to include in EIA and SEA, wherever relevant, as complete a consideration as possible of effects involving impediments to migration, in furtherance of Article III (4) (b) of the Convention, of transboundary effects on migratory species, and of impacts on migratory patterns or on migratory ranges; c) develop a workplan and identify priority tasks for the Working Group based on the existing information, such as standards, guidelines, best practices related to addressing the impact of linear infrastructure development as well as the review of the compilation under paragraph (a); d) provide recommendations on the future direction of work under the Convention to support Parties in addressing the impact of linear infrastructure on migratory species.

The Scientific Council is further requested, subject to the availability of resources, to: a) identify the types of infrastructure that have not been addressed under CMS and are of particular relevance to the conservation of CMS-listed species, provide advice on possible actions that could be taken to address such infrastructure, and report the findings to the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties; b) consider the outputs of the Working Group on linear infrastructure and make recommendations to the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties.

The Secretariat shall: a) identify information gaps regarding the implementation of Resolution 7.2 (Rev.COP12) Impact Assessment and Migratory Species and, based on any identified gaps, consider improvements to guidance on preparing National Reports to improve collection of information regarding infrastructure development for review by the Standing Committee as part of amendment(s) to the National Report format under Decision 13.14; b) compile existing standards, guidelines, and best practices related to addressing the impact of linear infrastructure development and make them available online; c) subject to the availability of funds, convene at least one meeting to assist the Working Group in implementing Decision 13.131; d) liaise with the United Nations Environment Programme, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the International Association for Impact Assessment, the World Bank and other relevant international and regional organizations, multilateral environmental agreements, the private sector, development banks, financial institutions, donors, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions, as appropriate, to support the operation of the Working Group and to assist Parties in addressing the impacts of linear and other infrastructure on migratory species such as through joint capacity development activities.

Parties, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations as well as other relevant stakeholders are encouraged to support the Scientific Council in implementing Decision 13.131 by providing technical inputs as well as financial resources.