As a rule, voting is not typically part of the dynamics of Conferences of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). However, this process marked the fifth day of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) on Friday (27/3). With no agreement among countries on the inclusion of three thresher shark species (Alopias pelagicus, Alopias superciliosus and Alopias vulpinus) in Appendix I, delegations resorted to voting to move the decision forward. Appendix I of the Convention lists endangered species and imposes the strictest protection measures, while Appendix II focuses on international cooperation for conservation.
The three species are widely distributed across the oceans and undertake long migrations, but are experiencing population declines. The pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), while the other two are listed as vulnerable.
During the debate, countries in favor highlighted fishing pressure and advocated a precautionary approach to strengthen protection of these species. Opposing delegations warned of potential unintended consequences of stricter rules, such as an increase in illegal fishing. In light of the deadlock, the proposal was put to a vote and resulted in the recommendation to include the three thresher shark species in Appendix I.
In plenary, other proposals advanced by consensus, including species that occur in Brazil or use the country as part of their migratory routes.
Thus, the following were recommended for inclusion in Appendix I:
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the Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica), which passes through Brazil annually;
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the lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes), which uses Brazilian wetlands as stopover sites;
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Sphyrna lewini, present along the Brazilian coast;
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Sphyrna mokarran, also recorded off the country’s coast.
For Appendix II, recommendations include:
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Ardenna carneipes, which may occur in Brazilian oceanic waters;
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the narrownose smoothhound (Mustelus schmitti), recorded in southern Brazil;
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the barred sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans), a freshwater migratory fish found in Brazilian river basins.
Following an agreement between Argentina and Uruguay, one proposal withdrawn during negotiations also involved Brazil:
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the angular angel shark (Squatina guggenheim), a species occurring in the South Atlantic, including along the Brazilian coast.
Despite progress, part of the agenda remains open. Some documents still depend on decisions regarding financing, and working groups continued discussions late into the night. The expectation is that plenary will resume on Saturday morning (28/3) to consider the remaining 28 documents and 11 Concerted Action proposals, with the aim of concluding work before the final session on Sunday (29/3).
NEGOTIATION AGENDA
Brazil played an active role by presenting and supporting proposals to include species in the Convention’s appendices, reinforcing its role in negotiations. Among them is the Iberá seedeater (Sporophila iberaensis), whose inclusion in Appendix II was advocated as a way to strengthen regional initiatives for the conservation of migratory grassland birds in southern South America.
In the field of marine and freshwater species, the country led the proposal for the narrownose smoothhound (Mustelus schmitti), highlighting an estimated population decline of around 80%. The initiative received support from Senegal, Panama, and organizations such as the Instituto Baleia Jubarte and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and was forwarded for adoption.
Another highlight was Brazil’s support for the inclusion of Sphyrna lewini, a hammerhead shark species, in Appendix I. Submitted by Ecuador, the proposal received broad international backing and advanced following adjustments in the positions of some delegations, reflecting consensus-building on sensitive issues.
No angular angel shark
Conversely, in the case of the angular angel shark (Squatina guggenheim), Brazil chose to withdraw the proposal after coordination with regional countries such as Argentina and Uruguay, in a transboundary effort reflecting the shared distribution area of the species.
In inland waters, Brazil also submitted the proposal to include the barred sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans) in Appendix II. This species, typical of major South American river basins, is considered strategic for food security and the economy of traditional and riverine communities and has gained support to advance in the decision-making process.
Beyond species listings, discussions advanced on structural CMS themes. National implementation reports provided an overview of progress since the last COP, highlighting regional cooperation initiatives while also revealing recurring challenges, such as financial and technical limitations faced by many countries.
In the corridors, the intense pace of negotiations reflected the complexity of the agenda. Delegations split across different working groups and side events, in a scenario of gradual progress and occasional deadlocks. Expectations of a working weekend were already clear, while more experienced participants showed both caution and optimism regarding the outcomes.
As the final stretch approaches, expectations are that by Sunday (29/3) not only decisions on specific species will be consolidated, but also progress in international cooperation and in protecting migratory routes that connect ecosystems on a global scale — an area in which Brazil continues to play a strategic role.
Summary of negotiations (as of Friday night, 27/3)
The following proposals involve species occurring in Brazil or using the country as part of their migratory routes, unless otherwise indicated:
FOR FINAL PLENARY CONSIDERATION
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Inclusion of the barred sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans) in Appendix II;
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Resolution and action plan for Amazonian catfish, such as the gilded catfish (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii) and the laulao catfish (Brachyplatystoma vaillantii);
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Inclusion of the narrownose smoothhound (Mustelus schmitti) in Appendix II;
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Inclusion of petrels of the genera Pterodroma and Pseudobulweria (species occur in Brazil);
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Inclusion of the Hudsonian whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus) in Appendix I;
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Inclusion of the Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) in Appendix I;
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Inclusion of the Iberá seedeater (Sporophila iberaensis) in Appendix II.
WITHDRAWN
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Inclusion of the angular angel shark (Squatina guggenheim) in Appendix II.
UNDER NEGOTIATION
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Concerted Action for the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus);
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Concerted Action for the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), which does not occur in Brazil;
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Inclusion in Appendix I of two hammerhead shark species, Sphyrna lewini and Sphyrna mokarran;
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Inclusion of the lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) in Appendix I;
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Inclusion of the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) in Appendices I and II;
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Concerted Actions and action plans for mobulid rays (genus Mobula, with species occurring in Brazil);
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Inclusion of the blue shark (Prionace glauca) in Appendix I.
Brazil Space
Alongside the intense COP15 negotiations, Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) gained prominence at the Brazil Space. For the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA), these areas function as ecological corridors by transforming private properties into refuges for migratory, endemic, and threatened species.
During a panel discussion, Pedro da Cunha e Menezes, Director of the Department of Protected Areas (DAP/MMA), highlighted the importance of integrating public and private protected areas into conservation strategies. According to him, this connection is essential to ensure ecosystem continuity and enhance the effectiveness of environmental policies.
Brazil’s National System of Nature Conservation Units (SNUC) provides the framework for creating and managing these areas, encompassing different levels of government as well as private initiatives.
Today, Brazil has more than 1,900 RPPNs, covering over 837,000 hectares of protected land. Discussions at COP15 reinforced the strategic role of landowners, as the creation of reserves ensures permanent protection and contributes to ecological corridors that sustain wildlife movement across the Americas.
Connection Without Borders
The protection of migratory species goes beyond formal negotiations and gains strength in territories, where the role of women is central. This intersection between gender, nature, and culture guided the film showcase held at the Connection Without Borders space.
Rita Mesquita, National Secretary for Biodiversity, Forests and Animal Rights at the MMA, emphasized the importance of increasing women’s participation. She noted the need to give visibility to women’s work and ensure their presence — especially young women — in decision-making and governance spaces.
Among the highlights is the documentary Women of the Frontier, directed by Paulo Machado, which follows the trajectories of Pantanal women, Indigenous women, and entrepreneurs, showing how gastronomy also reflects migratory flows in South America.
Another featured film is Living Tide, Dead Tide, by Cláudia Daibert, portraying women’s roles in managing marine protected areas and reinforcing the growing importance of female leadership in biodiversity conservation.
(With information from the Earth Negotiations Bulletin)
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