Photo by The twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS CoP12) will be held in Manila, Philippines from October 23 to 28.[teaserbreak]
The CMS is an environmental treaty used as a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. The Convention counts 124 Parties (nations) and protects more than 1,441 species.
As the only global convention specifically concerned with the conservation of migratory species, CMS plays a crucial conservation role by providing the legal foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures throughout a species’ migratory range. While Appendix I protects migratory species that are endangered, Appendix II protects migratory species that have an “unfavourable conservation status and which require international agreements for their conservation and management.” Species can be listed in both Appendices.
The CMS CoP12 will be an opportunity for Party nations to discuss the listing of emblematic species, such as African lions, leopards, chimpanzees, and giraffes. What is at stake is not only the conservation of these vulnerable species but also the considerable economic interests for the Parties using these species for commercial or tourism purposes.
The proposal to list African lions in CMS Appendix II submitted by Niger, Chad, and Togo will draw much attention and is of particular importance to Born Free USA. As we did during for the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP17, Johannesburg, October 2016), Born Free USA will fiercely support the Parties who are seeking a CMS listing.
According to the 2016 IUCN Red List assessment, lions are in devastating decline across much of their range, with an overall estimated population reduction of 43 percent between 1993 and 2014. In West Africa, the lion population is considered “Critically Endangered.” Although the causes of these population declines remain complex, there is no doubt that habitat loss and poaching play a major role. The listing of the African lion will provide CMS with the mandate to seek and commit resources to lion conservation.
Born Free USA will be attending the CMS CoP12 to fight for the conservation of this emblematic animal. By supporting Born Free USA, you will make sure that your voice and the voice of endangered species are heard during the negotiations.
Thank you for your contribution, and stay tuned for CMS CoP12 updates!
Keep Wildlife in the Wild,
