As the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) approaches its midpoint, discussions progressed in an intense and comprehensive manner this Wednesday (March 25), ranging from marine species conservation to the strengthening of international cooperation instruments (see more below).
In the Committee of the Whole, delegates addressed the protection of whales, turtles, freshwater fish, and the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), species that cross oceans and continents and face increasing threats such as vessel collisions, underwater noise pollution, and bycatch (the unintentional capture of marine species during fishing activities).
Despite the technical density of the negotiations, the participation of traditional communities was the highlight of the day. Representing the Pantanal Traditional Communities Network, Edinalda Pereira do Nascimento, chosen as spokesperson for the Pantanal’s host populations, emphasized the central role of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation and in sustaining ways of life.
In her intervention, Edinalda stressed that the continuity of these ways of life depends directly on knowledge built through the relationship with territories, which is essential to ensure the presence of migratory species in traditionally occupied areas. She advocated for this knowledge to be effectively recognized and incorporated into the Convention’s processes, in dialogue with science.
“The integration of traditional and scientific knowledge is essential to strengthen conservation,” she stated, highlighting the need for the CMS Scientific Council to embrace this connectivity between different knowledge systems.
Her statement mobilized Indigenous representatives and local communities present in the plenary, who stood up in a spontaneous moment of singing and celebration, accompanied by maracás. The scene briefly interrupted the formal pace of negotiations and symbolically underscored the connection between culture, nature, and conservation.
Concrete recommendations were also presented, including:
Multiple knowledge systems
- Brazil, together with Fiji, advocated engagement with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities based on the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). This is a fundamental right, internationally recognized (such as under ILO Convention 169), ensuring the active participation of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities in decisions affecting their territories and natural resources. The process must be voluntary, occur prior to any authorization, and guarantee full and transparent access to information.
Amendments to the CMS Appendices
- Proposed amendments to ensure the consistent use of the term “Indigenous and local knowledge” in the development and evaluation of proposals to amend the Appendices. These proposals were supported by Australia and New Zealand.
Concerted Actions
- Suggested amendments to ensure consistent references to “Indigenous and local knowledge” in the development of proposals for Concerted Actions.
The participation of Indigenous Peoples and traditional communities in COP15 resulted from a coordinated effort led by the National Secretariat for Traditional Peoples and Communities and Sustainable Rural Development (SNPCT) and the National Secretariat for Biodiversity, Forests and Animal Rights (SBio) of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA).
The demonstration by traditional communities made it clear that, beyond formal agreements, the conservation of migratory species necessarily depends on recognizing and valuing knowledge systems that, for generations, have sustained the relationship between people and nature.
NEGOTIATION AGENDA
In addition to discussions on traditional knowledge, Brazil expanded its engagement across several strategic fronts throughout the negotiations:
- MARINE CONSERVATION: Brazil actively participated in discussions on the protection of marine habitats and species, advocating for deeper technical work on area-based conservation measures, such as those applied to seamounts. It also contributed to advancing proposals that strengthen the protection of these essential ecosystems for migratory species, with emphasis on international cooperation and the use of scientific data to guide decision-making.
- POLLUTION AND OCEAN IMPACTS: The country opposed endorsing vessel speed reduction as a mitigation measure for underwater noise, assessing that the proposal still lacks a consolidated technical basis. In discussions on deep-sea mining, Brazil defended that the issue should be addressed in coordination with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), supporting voluntary guidance and emphasizing the need for further scientific research. The ISA is an organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) to regulate activities on the seabed in international areas. It organizes and controls the exploration of marine mineral resources, ensuring they are used for the benefit of all humankind and with environmental protection.
- FISHERIES AND SPECIES CAPTURE: In discussions on direct threats to wildlife, Brazil highlighted the importance of recognizing small-scale artisanal fisheries in conservation strategies, seeking to balance environmental protection and food security. It also contributed to discussions on bycatch and its impacts on migratory species.
- INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION: Brazil supported strengthening coordination among countries and international organizations to address pressures on biodiversity, advocating coordinated actions along migratory routes. The country’s engagement reinforced the need to integrate different instruments and enhance the effectiveness of measures adopted under the Convention.
Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI)
The launch of the Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI) underscored the urgency of addressing illegal and unsustainable taking of wildlife. Experts highlighted that, because these species cross borders, they depend on coordinated international actions, as isolated measures are insufficient to ensure their conservation along entire migratory routes.
The initiative was presented during a side event as a practical tool to strengthen international cooperation and support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly with regard to sustainable use of species. Despite progress in setting targets, gaps remain in implementation, making it essential to translate global commitments into concrete actions on the ground.
Field evidence shows that illegal or unsustainable taking is a widespread threat, associated with local consumption, trade, and diverse cultural and economic uses. Experts therefore advocated integrated approaches, including strengthened enforcement, engagement of local communities, investment in education, and a better understanding of value chains and demand drivers.
Borderless Connection
Ocean conservation and the management of marine migratory species were at the center of discussions in the “Borderless Connection” space. Experts from IBAMA and ICMBio discussed population declines of sharks and rays and the challenges of ensuring that the exploitation of species such as the blue shark (Prionace glauca) does not compromise their long-term survival (read more here).
Key points included the need for rigorous monitoring and international cooperation to regulate the capture and trade of these species. The assessment is that, without adequate control, pressure on migratory populations may lead to significant declines, affecting the balance of marine ecosystems.
The protection of critical habitats was also highlighted, particularly the Abrolhos Archipelago, in Bahia, considered one of the main nurseries in the South Atlantic. Authorities emphasized the importance of structural policies to preserve these areas and ensure connectivity between breeding and feeding grounds of species that travel long distances.
Brazil Space
The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA) led discussions focused on the importance of multi-level environmental governance and greater integration among different global United Nations conventions.
Rita Mesquita, National Secretary for Biodiversity, Forests and Animal Rights (SBio/MMA), emphasized that synergy among international agreements is crucial for effective public policies and should be based on expanded shared knowledge and investment in scientific data to protect migratory species.
Carlos Eduardo Marinello, Chief of Staff and Acting National Secretary of SBio, explained that strengthening these institutional connections increases efficiency, allowing strategic actions such as the creation of protected areas and restoration processes to contribute simultaneously to multiple international targets.
The discussion also reaffirmed that, for coherent and long-term public policy, it is essential to respect traditional knowledge, integrate sectors, and adopt strategic communication that reaches the population. Thiago Belote Silva, Director of the Department of Forests at MMA, emphasized that citizens must understand how global agendas translate into biome conservation and feel responsible for it.
(With information from Earth Negotiations Bulletin)
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