2026/003: CMS COP15: Registration Deadlines and Nominations and Elections for Subsidiary Bodies

The CMS Secretariat is pleased to share additional information in preparation for the Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (COP15). 

Registration deadlines 

Delegates eligible for funding are reminded that registration must be completed by 28 February 2026. After this deadline, the Secretariat will not be in a position to make travel arrangements. 

Please note that online registration for COP15 will close on 15 March 2026. After this date, the registration system will no longer be accessible. 

Standing Committee

Parties are reminded to consult within their regions on the nominations for the election of regional members to the Standing Committee to serve during the period from the close of the 15^th meeting to the close of the 16^th meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Each region should also nominate from among such regional members one representative to serve on the Finance and Budget Subcommittee. 

The Secretariat has prepared a document (UNEP/CMS/COP15/Doc.17) to assist Parties in their deliberations for the nomination and election of members. Document UNEP/CMS/COP15/Doc.17 , Elections of Parties to the Standing committee which outlines the election process and relevant procedural considerations, has been posted on the COP15 Documents webpage. Parties are invited to take note of this information and to engage in the nomination process in accordance with the guidance provided. 

Parties are also reminded that the 58^th meeting of the Standing Committee will take place immediately after the closing of COP15 in Campo Grande for the election of its Chair and Vice-Chair.  The members of the Finance and Budget Subcommittee should also be prepared to elect a new chair for the Subcommittee at this meeting. The Agenda of the meeting is available here UNEP/CMS/StC58/Doc.2.1.

Sessional Committee of the Scientific Council

Parties are also reminded to consult within their regions on the nominations for the election of regional members and alternate members to the Sessional Committee of the Scientific Council (ScC-SC). Document UNEP/CMS/COP15/Doc.16.1/Rev.1 lists the currently serving regional representatives and alternates on the ScC-SC, indicates current vacancies as well as the officers who will have completed at least two terms by the time of COP15. Parties are invited to take note of information contained in this document and to identify, through a consultation process among the Parties in the regions, candidates to fill these vacancies.

Parties are reminded to consider the list of CMS Parties with contributions in arrears of three years or more to ensure adherence to UNEP/CMS/Resolution 14.2 Financial and Administrative Matters.