The conservation of migratory aquatic species depends not only on international commitments but also on the existence of continuous, reliable, and socially legitimized data at the local level. In many countries, particularly within artisanal fishing contexts, traditional monitoring systems conducted exclusively by the state have proven insufficient to address the socio-ecological complexity of fisheries, historical data gaps, and compliance challenges. 

 

This side event will present the Brazilian experience with self-monitoring in artisanal fisheries as a practical, scalable tool directly relevant to the implementation of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Developed through participatory processes involving fishing communities, public managers, and research institutions, these initiatives have demonstrated concrete potential to improve the information base on migratory species, strengthen shared governance, and support adaptive management decisions. 

 

Based on experiences coordinated by the National Secretariat of Artisanal Fisheries of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SNPA/MPA) and implemented within the scope of the Monitora Program, led by Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), the event will discuss how self-monitoring can: 

 

 

Rather than presenting self-monitoring as a finished model, the event will emphasize its institutional arrangements, implementation challenges, and the conditions necessary for its consolidation. It aims to offer concrete, transferable lessons to other CMS Parties interested in inclusive and cost-effective monitoring approaches. 

 

By presenting an experience anchored in public policy and social participation, this side event will objectively contribute to the COP15 debates, offering practical insights to strengthen the conservation of migratory species across multiple scales.