At the recent COP15 of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), held in Campo Grande, Brazil, Chile achieved the approval of two key initiatives for the protection of threatened shorebirds:
- A Concerted Action with Argentina to conserve the Magellanic plover (Pluvianellus socialis).
- The inclusion of the Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) in Appendix I of the treaty, which implies urgent conservation measures at the international level.
These decisions come in a critical context: nearly half of the migratory species protected by CMS are in decline, reinforcing the need for cooperation between countries to safeguard essential migratory routes and wetlands.
The CMS Convention
The CMS brings together 133 contracting parties (132 countries plus the European Union) with the aim of protecting terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species throughout their distribution areas. Appendix I includes endangered species that require immediate actions, while Concerted Actions allow for coordinated efforts among member states.
In Chile, the National CMS Committee is chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Technical Secretariat from the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG).
Species at risk
- Magellanic plover: restricted to Patagonia, it uses the southern steppe of Chile and Argentina. With fewer than 1,000 individuals, it is one of the most threatened shorebirds in the world. The Bahía Lomas Nature Sanctuary is one of its critical sites.
- Hudsonian godwit: undertakes long-distance migrations between South America and the Arctic. Its population has decreased by more than 10% annually over three generations. The wetlands of Chiloé host more than 20,000 individuals, representing 27% of the global population and 99% of the Pacific coast population.
Value of the decisions
Diego Luna Quevedo, a specialist from Manomet Conservation Sciences, highlighted that the approved measures allow for aligning conservation policies and plans between countries, optimizing resources and avoiding duplication of efforts.
The Executive Secretary of CMS, Amy Fraenkel, emphasized that “species will not wait for our next meeting. Implementation has to start tomorrow.”
Global report on migratory species
Prior to the COP, CMS presented the report “State of the World’s Migratory Species”, which warns:
- 49% of protected populations are in decline (5% more in just two years).
- 24% face the risk of extinction (2% more).
- 26 species, including 18 shorebirds, have moved to higher risk categories.
During the COP, 40 species and subspecies were added or reclassified in Appendices I and II.
The approval of these initiatives led by Chile marks a significant advance in the conservation of migratory shorebirds. In a global scenario of decline, international cooperation becomes indispensable to protect critical species and the ecosystems that sustain their migratory routes.
