Florianopolis, Brazil | 2-3 December 2024

The CMS Secretariat, together with the Government of Brazil, as MOU Coordinator, organized the Third Meeting of the Signatories of the CMS MOU on the Conservation of Southern South American Migratory Grassland Bird Species and Their Habitats. The meeting took place in person and virtually from Monday 2nd of December to Tuesday 3rd 2024 in Florianopolis, Brazil.

This meeting was addressed to all MOU Signatory countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Urugay, as well as to observers working in Grassland bird conservation in the region.

Goals of the meeting

1. To report progress in the implementation of this MOU by Signatories and Stakeholders
2. To identify implementation gaps, threats to the species and habitats addressed by this MOU and to discuss next steps to address them
3. To update the MOU Action Plan
4. To discuss fundraising opportunities for a stronger implementation of this MOU
5. To nominate the next MOU Coordinator

Background

This 3rd meeting follows on the outcomes of the two previous MOU meetings celebrated in Asunción, Paraguay in 2010 and in Florianopolis, Brazil in 2018. Detailed information about these meetings can be found in the MOU main web page

Key meeting outcomes

1. Implementation Progress: Reports were presented by 4 out of 5 range states, 1 observer, and 5 regional organizations. Positive progress was reported across the five main objectives: habitat protection, grassland management, community awareness, public and private policies, and international cooperation. However, there is a need for stronger national legislation and institutional strengthening.

2.Implementation Status: From evaluation of the 43 planned actions, 51% of the actions are progressing well, 37% face challenges in implementation, and 12% are either incomplete or have not yet started. 

3. Implementation Gaps and Threats: Members identified gaps and threats to species and their habitats under the MOU. Reviews and updates were conducted during and after MOS3.All final revisions are submitted by January 15 and comments by February 15, 2025.

4. Extension of the MOU: Expansion to additional range states was welcomed, with Chile expressing interest in joining during the session.

5.New Species Listing Group: A group was formed to explore the inclusion of additional species under the MOU (See: Species for potential inclusion under the MOU).Their review is to be completed by March 10, 2025.

6. Re-Nomination of Focal Points: Signatory states re-nominated focal points to enhance coordination.

7. MOU Coordination Transition: Uruguay was designated as the next MOU Coordinator, supported by Brazil during a 3-month transition to process MOS3 outcomes.The coordination handover process to be done between January and February 2025.

8. Coordination Mechanism Update: The Rangelands MOU Coordination Mechanism Update Group was established to revise the coordination framework.

9. Funding Opportunities:Regional agreements and certification initiatives were leveraged. USFWS and BirdLife International shared funding strategies for grassland bird conservation, and the CMS Secretariat introduced Global Environment Facility (GEF) opportunities to support ecosystem connectivity.

10. Resolution Development: A resolution will be prepared for review by the Scientific Council ahead of COP15.

Registration Form Information for Participants Información para los participantes

For detailed information about the meeting please refer to the Meeting Documents section below

All photos accessible at: MOS3 and AFTF2 Photos