Migratory Species Champion Award Honors Long-term Commitments to Conservation Initiatives at CMS COP15

Campo Grande, 27 March 2026 — The Migratory Species Champion Night, celebrating partnership and long-term commitment in conserving migratory species, marked a powerful opening evening to the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP15) in Campo Grande, Brazil. The ceremony highlighted how collective action across borders, sectors, and regions can translate global ambition into meaningful conservation impact.

The evening brought together delegates, partners, and supporters to celebrate leadership, innovation, and sustained engagement in initiatives spanning a wide range of priorities, including strengthening ecological connectivity, conserving Central Asian mammals, and addressing the illegal hunting, taking, and trade of migratory species.

Nine new Champions were recognised for their contributions:

•    Government of Uzbekistan
•    Government of Australia
•    Government of the Principality of Monaco
•    Government of Flanders
•    Office français de la biodiversité (French Biodiversity Agency)
•    National Center for Wildlife of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
•    European Commission
•    German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN)
•    Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME)

CMS Executive Secretary Ms Amy Fraenkel presented two flagship initiatives – the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity and the Global Initiative on Taking of Migratory Species – needing urgent support, that directly respond to the most pressing threats facing migratory species today: habitat fragmentation and loss of connectivity, and overexploitation.

A Growing Global Commitment

In alignment with the COP15 theme, “Connecting nature to sustain life,” Champion Night highlighted that enduring conservation requires ongoing commitment and international collaboration. Since its inception in 2014, the Programme has directed more than 20 million euros to support Convention initiatives. Serving as both a financial mechanism for the Secretariat and a platform to recognize donors, the Programme facilitates the sustainable achievement of established objectives while crediting those who make these efforts possible. Through its array of initiatives, it translates financial commitments into sustained, quantifiable conservation outcomes, illustrating the growing breadth and diversity of support being mobilized.

New champions for migratory species recognized at COP15:

The Government of Uzbekistan was recognised as Champion Plus for its support to Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Global Action to Combat Taking of Migratory Species for 2026–2028. This contribution represents a significant step forward in reinforcing legal frameworks, improving knowledge, and enhancing coordinated, multi-stakeholder action against the illegal and unsustainable taking of migratory species. The award was received by Mr Otabek Babamuradov, Advisor on International Affairs to the Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, on behalf of H.E. Mr Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.

“The launch of the Global Initiative on Taking of Migratory Species reflects a clear reality: the drivers of biodiversity loss often emerge at the local level, yet their impacts are global in scale. Illegal and unsustainable taking now threatens nearly two-thirds of CMS Appendix I species, while overexploitation affects around 70 per cent of all CMS-listed species.

By supporting this Initiative, Uzbekistan reaffirms its strong commitment to addressing illegal and unsustainable taking of migratory species and is consistently implementing measures for their conservation, including the protection of species such as the Bukhara deer, Saiga antelope, Argali as well as strengthening transboundary cooperation in the region.

We believe that strengthening national systems, engaging local communities, and enhancing international cooperation will help reduce these pressures and ensure more effective conservation of migratory species.” 

The Government of Australia was recognised twice during the evening, reflecting its engagement across two distinct CMS workstreams. Ms Narelle Montgomery, Chair of the CMS Scientific Council and Director of the Migratory Species Section at Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, received the Champion Plus for the Government’s contribution to Reconciling energy transition with migratory species for 2024–2027.

“Australia is proud to accept this Champion Plus Award for our support to the CMS Renewable Energy Task Force. We thank the Secretariat for this recognition, and we commend CMS for its leadership in ensuring that the global transition to renewable energy is aligned with the conservation of migratory species. The Renewable Energy Task Force provides scientific guidance, policy expertise and collaborative framework needed to achieve the balance between a rapid transformation in energy systems and migratory species conservation. By supporting its work, Australia is helping to ensure that our energy transition is ambitious, responsible and biodiversity-enhancing. Healthy ecosystems and thriving migratory species are fundamental to the wellbeing of communities across Australia and the wider Oceania region. Through our continued partnership with CMS, we are committed to advancing solutions that address climate change while protecting the migratory species that connect our nations”, said Ms Montgomery receiving the Certificate.

Australia also received a Champion Plus certificate for its contribution to Addressing the Illegal Hunting, Taking and Trade of Migratory Waterbirds in the Asia Pacific region for 2021–2025. The award was presented to Mr Mark Carey, Chair of the Asia Pacific Illegal Taking of Migratory Birds Intergovernmental Task Force.

The Asia Pacific Task Force is particularly crucial as it highlights the leadership of CMS in a region where membership may be limited, yet where engagement and cooperation remain essential for the conservation of shared migratory species. 

“We thank the CMS Secretariat for this acknowledgement and for its leadership in advancing regional cooperation. Australia’s support reflects our belief that protecting migratory birds is good for the region and good for Australia. It enhances environmental resilience, supports sustainable livelihoods, and bolsters the shared natural heritage that defines the East Asian–Australasian Flyway and marine flyways. Our investments in high priority actions help ensure that these species continue to bridge nations and cultures for generations to come. We are proud to work alongside our regional partners, and we remain committed to supporting the Task Force as it delivers practical, science-based solutions to reduce illegal take and trade,” said Mr Carey receiving the Certificate.

The Government of the Principality of Monaco was recognized as Champion Plus for its contribution towards the Implementation of the Convention for 2027-2029. The award was received by Ms Céline Van Klaveren-Impagliazzo, Head of Division of the Department of External Relations and Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco. The contribution supports the broader implementation of CMS priorities while continuing Monaco's longstanding engagement, particularly in the conservation of marine migratory species. This award testifies the unwavering commitment and leadership of Monaco in promoting the conservation of migratory species.

“The Principality of Monaco’s contribution demonstrates that even a country of just two square kilometers can have a significant impact on the conservation of migratory species. It highlights that commitment and leadership matter more than size when it comes to protecting biodiversity. Migratory species transcend borders and cultures, bringing together countries that speak different languages to unite in a single shared language—the conservation of species and the protection of our natural world.” 

The Government of Flanders was recognized as Champion Plus for its contribution to the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity for 2024-2026. The award was received by Ms Lucie Rivière, Biodiversity expert for international policy. This initiative supports global efforts to maintain and restore ecological connectivity across landscapes and seascapes, helping migratory species move safely between key habitats throughout their life cycles. Through this important contribution, Flanders helped advance coordinated global efforts under this global initiative.

“The Government of Flanders is honoured to receive the Champion Award in recognition of its support for the CMS connectivity agenda. Flanders is home to many migratory species, some of which are listed under CMS, and we strongly recognise the importance of their conservation. Ecological connectivity is a vital conservation priority and a significant challenge in Flanders, a region where open space is limited. It is essential for migratory species throughout their life cycles, as they depend on networks of key habitats, the corridors that link them, and dynamic, functioning ecosystems. We greatly appreciate the work of CMS and the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity. By fostering shared scientific knowledge, practical experience and international cooperation, the Partnership helps translate global connectivity ambitions into effective action on the ground. In doing so, it makes an important contribution to the implementation of the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework and the CMS Strategic Plan for 2024–2032.” 

Office français de la biodiversité (French Biodiversity Agency) was recognized as Champion Plus for its contribution to Global Initiatives supporting ecological connectivity and addressing taking of species for 2026-2028. The award was received by Mr Florent Merle, European and international relations deputy director, on behalf of Mr Olivier Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB). The contribution supports two flagship CMS workstreams addressing habitat fragmentation and the illegal and unsustainable taking of migratory species. OFB’s support demonstrates strong leadership and a clear commitment to multilateral cooperation, enabling CMS to further advance and implement impactful, coordinated global action in these critical areas.

“At the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), our raison d'être is to ‘protect life, preserve our future’. By strengthening its strategic partnership with CMS and supporting international projects on ecological connectivity and the fight against illegal and unsustainable taking, OFB is proud to contribute to concrete initiatives in response to the global biodiversity crisis. This distinction is an honour and reinforces our determination to work alongside CMS for the ambitious implementation of international commitments.” 

The National Center for Wildlife of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was recognized as Champion Plus for its contribution towards Addressing illegal hunting, taking and trade of migratory birds in South-West Asia for 2026-2028. The award was received by Mr Ahmed Boug, Deputy CEO of the National Center for Wildlife of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on behalf of Dr Muhammad Ali Qurban, Chief Executive Officer of the Center. The initiative supports regional cooperation and practical measures to address illegal hunting and trade along a flyway of major importance for migratory bird species. This contribution builds on the Center’s initial commitment, demonstrating continued confidence and sending a strong signal of the sustainability and long-term future of this initiative.

“We value this recognition under the CMS Champion Programme, which reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting migratory species and their habitats. Through the National Center for Wildlife, the Kingdom continues to support the objectives of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species and efforts to address illegal hunting of migratory birds.” 

The European Commission was recognized as Champion Plus for its contribution to Reconciling energy transition with migratory species for 2026-2029. The award was received by Mr Hans Stielstra, Adviser on International Environmental Negotiations. The initiative supports the work of the CMS Energy Task Force in advancing solutions that balance renewable energy development with biodiversity protection, helping ensure that climate action and migratory species conservation move forward together. This contribution comes at a critical moment. As the world advances an ambitious energy transition, it is essential that we ensure this progress goes hand in hand with the protection of biodiversity, particularly migratory species, which depend on connected ecosystems across borders.

“By promoting solutions that balance renewable energy development with ecological sustainability, this contribution directly supports the European Union’s priorities on climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable development and demonstrates that a clean energy future and thriving migratory species are not competing goals, but shared achievements.” 

The German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) was recognized as Champion Plus for its support to Conserving Central Asian Mammals for 2024-2027. The award was received by Dr Timm Reinhardt, Scientific Officer, on behalf of Dr Sabine Riewenherm, President of BfN. Through the provision of in-kind expertise and staff time, BfN has helped advance the implementation of the Central Asian Mammals Initiative, one of the Convention's strongest long-term programmes for coordinated conservation action in the region.

“We are delighted to receive this award. We see it as a sign of continued appreciation for our many years of supporting the migrations of Central Asian mammals through the International Academy for Nature Conservation. We are convinced that these endangered ecological phenomena reap sustainable benefits from long-term, continuous support.” 

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) was recognized as Champion Plus for its support to Strengthening Conservation of Marine Species and their Habitats in the ROPME Sea Area for 2026-2028. The initiative supports science-based regional cooperation to conserve marine migratory species and the critical habitats and migratory pathways on which they depend across the ROPME Sea Area.

“This agreement marks an important milestone and a landmark moment in strengthening regional cooperation for the conservation of marine migratory species in the ROPME Sea Area. The ROPME Sea Area supports globally significant populations of marine turtles, dugongs, sharks, and rays, yet these species face increasing pressures from habitat degradation, fisheries interactions, and climate change. Through our partnership with the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), ROPME reaffirms its commitment to protecting the region’s shared marine biodiversity, including the above-mentioned iconic marine migratory species. The initiative tunes with ROPME Strategic Directions (2026-2030) and its implementation will support science-based conservation, strengthen regional knowledge, and enhance the capacity of member states to monitor and manage critical habitats and migratory pathways. Our participation in the CMS Migratory Species Champion Programme reflects ROPME’s determination to play a leading role in advancing regional and global efforts to conserve marine biodiversity and ensure a healthy, resilient marine environment for present and future generations. This collaboration reflects our shared responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit a healthy and productive marine environment in the ROPME Sea Area.” 

The ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by the Government of Brazil and a concert by renowned Brazilian singer Almir Sater, whose music provided a fitting tribute to the Pantanal and to the conservation themes central to CMS’s work.

To learn more about the Champion Programme, visit: https://www.cms.int/award/migratory-species-champion-programme