Why is it in the news?

• The Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
• COP14 resulted in the adoption of various measures and initiatives aimed at safeguarding migratory species worldwide.

 Key Outcomes

Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species (2024-2032):

• One of the key outcomes of COP14 was the establishment of the Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species, which outlines conservation goals and strategies for the period from 2024 to 2032.
• This strategic plan serves as a roadmap for CMS member countries to guide their efforts in conserving migratory species over the next decade.

Global Guidelines on Light Pollution:

• COP14 introduced new global guidelines addressing the impacts of light pollution on migratory species.
• Light pollution, caused by artificial lighting, can disrupt migratory patterns, navigation, and breeding behaviours of various species. These guidelines aim to mitigate these negative effects.

Species-Specific Mandates:

• COP14 saw the addition of 14 new species to the CMS Appendices, including the Eurasian Lynx, Pallas’s Cat, and Sand Tiger Shark.
• Concerted actions were initiated for six species, such as the Chimpanzee, Straw-coloured Fruit Bat, and Blue Shark, focusing on targeted conservation efforts to address specific threats and challenges faced by these species.
• Additionally, three new action plans were developed for aquatic species, including the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin, the Hawksbill Turtle, and the Angelshark, outlining specific measures for their conservation and management.

Migratory Birds Agreement:

• COP14 achieved an agreement on the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), covering 30 Range States of migratory birds.
• This agreement involves the establishment of a coordinating unit in India to facilitate collaborative efforts among Range States in conserving migratory bird species along the Central Asian Flyway.

Scientific Reports:

• A significant milestone of COP14 was the release of the first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report.
• This report provides comprehensive insights into the current status, trends, and conservation needs of migratory species globally, serving as a valuable resource for policymakers, conservationists, and researchers.

Global Initiative – Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity (GPEC):

• COP14 witnessed the launch of a new global initiative, the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity (GPEC).
• GPEC aims to ensure the maintenance, enhancement, and restoration of ecological connectivity in critical areas for migratory species worldwide.
• Several CMS Parties, including Belgium, France, Monaco, and Uzbekistan, are supporting this initiative, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in conserving migratory species and their habitats.