By Abdullahi Lukman
Brazil’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Ms. Marina Silva, announced on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, that Brazil would host the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
The event will take place from March 23 to March 29, 2026, in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul.
Silva expressed Brazil’s strong commitment to advancing biodiversity conservation, particularly through the protection of migratory wildlife, at a time when the world faces increasing environmental challenges.
“The Pantanal, one of the richest and most vibrant ecosystems globally, will provide the perfect setting for COP15,” Silva said.
She said that the conference would foster international collaboration aimed at addressing the urgent issues surrounding migratory species and ecosystems.
Silva also reaffirmed Brazil’s intent to build a sustainable and inclusive future, encouraging global cooperation to ensure the success of COP15.
As the most biodiverse country in the world, Brazil is home to an extraordinary variety of migratory species, including the jaguar, Mexican Free-Tailed Bat, Peregrine Falcon, sharks, turtles, and numerous migratory fish and bird species.
Brazil’s vast and diverse ecosystems, such as the Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal, and the Atlantic Forest, provide critical habitats for these species.
Brazil has taken significant steps to protect its migratory biodiversity, collaborating on international conservation agreements and implementing robust domestic policies.
The country plays a pivotal role in safeguarding species listed under the CMS framework, benefiting from both national conservation networks and regional cooperation.
Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of CMS, noted that migratory species are essential to the health of global ecosystems, providing vital services such as pollination, pest control, and carbon sequestration.
However, she warned that these species are facing unprecedented pressures from overexploitation, habitat loss, and the impacts of climate change and pollution.
COP15, Fraenkel said, would be a critical opportunity to strengthen global efforts to ensure the survival of these species and their ecosystems.
The State of the World’s Migratory Species report, released at CMS COP14, highlighted the growing extinction risk for migratory species, underscoring the need for coordinated conservation measures.
With 399 at-risk migratory species still not listed under CMS, the need for effective, global conservation strategies has never been more urgent.
Silva’s announcement underscores Brazil’s leadership in wildlife conservation and sets the stage for COP15 to serve as a key platform for addressing the challenges facing migratory species worldwide.
