Press Office
For any media/press related inquiries please contact us:
Florian Keil, Coordinator of the Joint Communications Team at the UNEP/CMS and UNEP/AEWA Secretariats
Tel: +49 (0)228 815 2451
Email: [email protected]
Veronika Lenarz
Tel: +49 (0)228 815 209
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @BonnConvention
COP 13 Media Advisory
Media Advisory for the 13th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species, held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India from 15 - 22 February 2020.
What: 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CMS COP13) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), administered by UN Environment
When: CMS COP13 from 15 – 22 February 2020 // High Level Ministerial Panel on 16 February
Where: Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, India
Website: cms.int/cop13
CMS COP13 will be a major wildlife summit in 2020, with over 500 delegates from more than 120 countries expected to attend. It is a triennial conference that brings together States through which migratory animals pass and lays the legal foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures.
The theme of the Conference: ‘Migratory species connect the planet and together we welcome them home’ draws attention on the importance of connectivity as a key part of ecological functions.
Migratory connectivity, which links animals across their range, influences how temporary and spatial threats affect populations. Knowledge from animal movement data must be more efficiently integrated into policy and wildlife management to design transboundary and flexible conservation measures.
Compiling, synthesizing and disseminating new knowledge on migratory connectivity to address different threats will be the key challenge in future.
Connectivity is essential not only for the survival of migratory species but also for the achievement of all three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
At COP13, a wide range of issues will be on the agenda, including the listing of species as well as fresh initiatives, resolutions, action plans and guidelines for aquatic species, birds, and terrestrial species. See list of topics on the press page (to be added).
- A High-Level Segment Discussion will be held on 16 February 2020. State Ministers and Heads of International Organizations will participate in a panel discussion focused on the topic of connectivity.
The Indian Government plans to introduce a Declaration on the importance linking connectivity and future conservation policies to reflect the outcome of the discussion. This Resolution will be presented to COP13 for adoption.
- During a specially convened Champion Night on 16 February 2020, several governments will be recognized as Migratory Species Champions for their long-term support to initiatives that benefit the conservation of migratory species.
- There will also be over 60 side events during the week of the COP as well as celebrity events.
Search #CMSCOP13 to follow the discussions on social media.
[English] Information for the Media Overview of COP13 Major Topics (to be added)
[Français] Information for the Media Overview of COP13 Major Topics (to be added)
[Español] Information for the Media Overview of COP13 Major Topics (to be added)
COP13 Communications Guide Guide de Communication Guía de comunicaciones