High-Level Segment - UN Biodiversity COP15: Statement from CMS Executive Secretary

HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT

UN BIODIVERSITY CONFERENCE

15-17 December 2022, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

 

Statement

Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)

 

Excellencies,  

Distinguished Delegates,

Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

It is a great honour for me to speak today on behalf of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals - CMS. CMS is the only global UN treaty that is focused on the conservation of migratory species, and their habitats.

Migratory species are an integral part of nature and healthy ecosystems.  They provide important functions such as pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal, are a source of food, fiber and other products, and generate millions of dollars and jobs from a variety of sectors, including tourism.

Yet, we are losing wild species of animals at an unprecedented rate.  The pressures on wild animals and their habitats are expected to grow exponentially over the coming decades, with millions of kilometers of planned new roads, massive increases in energy infrastructure, unprecedented human population growth, urban expansion, food insecurity and climate change. 

So what can we do?

Migratory species need to be able to move, and to access different habitats during their annual cycles – across national borders and even continents.  Thus a key CMS priority is to enhance ecological connectivity around the world – supporting ecological functions for both wild animals and humans.  Connectivity is also a powerful tool for addressing restoration and climate change, and can provide a kind of road map for identifying areas that need conservation and/or restoration, and those more suitable for economic activities. It is an approach which reflects the way of nature itself – and offers a clear vision for the future, where nature and human activities are not at odds with one another.  

Connectivity has become one of the key concepts in the GBF, and I am happy to see that it is now included in Goal A, in Target 1 on spatial planning, Target 2 on restoration, Target 3 on area-based conservation, and Target 12 on urban areas. 

We look forward to working with governments, UN colleagues and stakeholders on ensuring the effective implementation of these Targets, along with other aspects of the GBF relevant to the mandate of CMS. 

 

Thank you

Last updated on 16 December 2022