At the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), 40 new species were added to the protected list, strengthening global efforts for migratory wildlife conservation. Such environmental topics are important for aspirants preparing through IAS coaching in Hyderabad, UPSC online coaching, and other civil services preparation platforms.
About CMS
• Also Known As: Bonn Convention.
• Established: Signed in Bonn, Germany on 23 June 1979.
• Under: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Mandate: Provides a global platform for conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats.
• Unique Role: Only UN-based treaty dedicated exclusively to migratory species across terrestrial, aquatic, and avian ecosystems.
Understanding such international environmental frameworks is essential for students preparing through UPSC coaching in Hyderabad and Hyderabad IAS coaching institutes, especially for GS Paper 3.
Key Features
• Conference of Parties (COP): Main decision-making body.
• Instruments: Parties adopt legally binding Agreements or informal MoUs for species protection.
Appendices:
• Appendix I: Endangered migratory species — strict protection, including prohibition of hunting/harvesting.
• Appendix II: Species with “unfavourable conservation status” — encourages range-wide cooperative agreements.
These features are often discussed in IAS coaching and civils coaching in Hyderabad for better conceptual clarity in environment topics.
Importance
• Recognizes the need for international collaboration, as migratory species cross multiple countries.
• Helps protect species facing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and hunting.
• Supports biodiversity conservation, aligning with SDGs and global environmental treaties.
Such environmental significance is frequently analysed in UPSC online coaching and structured UPSC coaching in Hyderabad programs.
Conclusion
The addition of new species at COP15 strengthens the Bonn Convention’s role in safeguarding migratory wildlife. For India, which hosts species like the Great Indian Bustard and Amur Falcon, CMS is vital in linking national conservation efforts with global frameworks. For aspirants preparing through IAS coaching in Hyderabad, UPSC coaching in Hyderabad, and UPSC online coaching, such topics are crucial for environment and ecology preparation.
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