The Bonn Convention at a Glance
Understanding the foundational aspects of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
Full Title & Common Name
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, commonly known as CMS or the Bonn Convention.
Adoption & Entry into Force
Signed in Bonn, Germany, on June 23, 1979. Entered into force on November 1, 1983.
Auspices & Secretariat
Developed under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The CMS Secretariat is administered by UNEP and located in Bonn, Germany.
Understanding CMS
Delving into the core nature of the Convention and its definition of migratory species.
Nature of the Convention
- An intergovernmental treaty providing a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats.
- The only global convention specializing in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats, and migration routes.
- Brings together "Range States" (countries through which migratory species pass) and lays the legal foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures.
- Acts as a framework convention, with agreements ranging from legally binding treaties (Agreements) to less formal instruments (Memoranda of Understanding - MOUs).
Definition of "Migratory Species" under CMS
Article I, paragraph 1(a) defines "migratory species" as: "the entire population or any geographically separate part of the population of any species or lower taxon of wild animals, a significant proportion of whose members cyclically and predictably cross one or more national jurisdictional boundaries."
This includes terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species.
Core Objectives of CMS
The guiding principles that drive the Convention's actions and conservation efforts worldwide.
Conserve Species Globally
To conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species throughout their entire ranges.
Promote & Coordinate
To promote, support, and coordinate conservation efforts and research related to migratory species.
Provide a Framework
To provide a framework for Range States to take action to conserve migratory species and their habitats.
Counter Threats
To counter threats to migratory species, such as habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, and barriers to migration.
How CMS Protects: Appendices & Instruments
CMS operates through two main Appendices and by facilitating specific international Agreements and MOUs.
Appendix I: Endangered Species
Species Included:
Migratory species that are endangered (i.e., threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range).
Obligations for Range States (shall endeavor):
- To conserve and, where feasible, restore important habitats.
- To prevent, remove, or minimize adverse effects of obstacles to migration.
- To prevent, reduce, or control factors endangering the species (e.g., control exotic species).
Prohibition on Taking:
Parties shall prohibit the taking of Appendix I species. "Taking" includes hunting, fishing, capturing, harassing, deliberate killing, etc. Exceptions are very limited and must not be detrimental to species survival.
Appendix II: Species Requiring Cooperation
Species Included:
- Migratory species with an unfavourable conservation status requiring international agreements.
- Species that would significantly benefit from international cooperation achievable via an agreement.
Obligations for Range States:
Parties that are Range States of Appendix II species shall endeavor to conclude Agreements (legally binding) or Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) (less formal) where these would benefit the species. These instruments provide specific conservation plans.
Global Instruments of Action
CMS implements conservation through legally binding Agreements and flexible Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
CMS Agreements
Legally binding treaties negotiated among Range States for particular species or groups, with their own institutional arrangements.
AEWA
Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.
ASCOBANS
Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas.
ACCOBAMS
Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area.
EUROBATS
Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats.
Wadden Sea Seals Agreement
Focuses on seal populations in the Wadden Sea.
CMS Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
Less formal, non-legally binding instruments fostering cooperation among Range States, often focusing on Conservation Action Plans.
Examples relevant to India:
Siberian Cranes MOU
Conservation of Siberian Cranes.
IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU
Conservation and Management of Marine Turtles and their Habitats of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia.
Raptors MOU
Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia.
Migratory Sharks MOU
Conservation of Migratory Sharks.
Dugong MOU
Conservation Measures for the Dugong and its Habitat throughout its Range.
Governance & Guidance
The key mechanisms and bodies that steer the Convention and support its implementation.
Conference of the Parties (COP)
Supreme decision-making body, meets every three years. Reviews implementation, amends Appendices, adopts resolutions, approves budget.
Standing Committee
Provides guidance and oversight between COP meetings, ensuring continuous progress.
Scientific Council
Advisory body of experts. Provides scientific advice on technical issues, amendments, research, and conservation measures.
CMS Secretariat
Administered by UNEP in Bonn, Germany. Provides administrative, technical, and logistical support to the Convention.
India & CMS: A Crucial Partnership
India's significant role in the Convention and its efforts in conserving migratory species.
India's Engagement
- Became a Party to CMS in 1983.
- Temporary home to numerous migratory species: Siberian Cranes, Amur Falcons, Bar-headed Geese, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Humpback Whales, etc.
- Signed several CMS MOUs (Siberian Crane, Marine Turtles, Dugong, Raptors).
- Key player in the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) conservation.
COP13 Host & Mascot
India hosted the 13th Conference of the Parties (COP13) to CMS in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in February 2020.
Theme: "Migratory species connect the planet and together we welcome them home."
Mascot: "Gibi – The Great Indian Bustard" (highlighting GIB as a migratory species).
Key Outcomes of CMS COP13 (Gandhinagar)
Gandhinagar Declaration
Called for migratory species and 'ecological connectivity' to be prioritized in the new Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
New Species Added
10 new species added to CMS Appendices, including three Indian species: Asian Elephant, Great Indian Bustard, and Bengal Florican (all to Appendix I).
Action Plans & Issues
Endorsement of species-specific action plans. Decisions on light/plastic pollution, insect decline, and their impacts.
Conceptual: Species Added to Appendices at COP13
Illustrative representation of key species additions. Full list included 10 species.
India's Conservation Milestones with CMS
India Joins CMS
India becomes a Party to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.
MOU Signatory
India signs and actively participates in MOUs for Siberian Cranes, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, and Raptors.
Amur Falcon Success
Significant conservation efforts in Nagaland turn a hunting hotspot into a safe haven for Amur Falcons.
CMS COP13 Host
India hosts the 13th Conference of the Parties in Gandhinagar, reinforcing its commitment.
Why CMS Matters: The Significance
The Convention's vital contributions to global wildlife conservation efforts.
Focus on Connectivity
Highlights conserving migratory routes and networks, not just isolated sites.
International Cooperation
Essential for species crossing borders, as no single country can protect them entirely.
Platform for Range States
Provides a forum for collaboration on conservation strategies among Range States.
Species-Specific Action
Facilitates tailored conservation plans through Agreements and MOUs.
Addresses Transboundary Threats
Helps coordinate efforts against threats across migration routes (e.g., habitat loss, barriers).
Navigating the Hurdles: Challenges
The complex obstacles faced in the conservation of migratory species and the implementation of CMS.
Habitat Loss & Degradation
Destruction of breeding, stopover, and wintering areas.
Barriers to Migration
Dams, wind turbines, power lines, roads, fences obstructing routes.
Climate Change
Altering migration timings, routes, habitats, and food availability.
Overexploitation & Illegal Taking
Unsustainable hunting and poaching in some regions.
Pollution
Light, plastic, and chemical pollution affecting species.
Lack of Data
Insufficient information on routes, status, and threats for many species.
Implementation Gaps
Depends on member states' commitment and capacity.
Coordination Challenges
Complexities in coordinating across numerous Range States.
Funding Limitations
Limited financial resources for conservation activities.
Success Story: Amur Falcons in Nagaland
A remarkable conservation triumph demonstrating the power of community and international cooperation.
Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis)
A small raptor with one of the longest migratory routes, passing through India.
The Problem:
Tens of thousands hunted annually at roosting sites in Nagaland, posing a severe threat.
Conservation Action:
- Concerted effort: Nagaland Forest Dept, WII, NGOs, local communities, church groups.
- Intensive awareness campaigns, education, community engagement.
- Formation of "Falcon Friends" protection groups.
- Promotion of alternative livelihoods and ecotourism.
- Strict enforcement of hunting bans & satellite tagging.
The Outcome:
Mass hunting largely stopped. Nagaland transformed from "killing field" to "falcon capital." Amur Falcon is covered under the CMS Raptors MOU, highlighting the importance of protecting stopover sites.
Academic Lens: UPSC Relevance
Prelims Focus
- CMS (Bonn Convention): Objective, focus on migratory species.
- The two Appendices and their significance.
- Concept of Agreements and MOUs under CMS.
- India's membership, hosting of COP13, key outcomes (Gandhinagar Declaration).
- Examples of migratory species relevant to India (Siberian Crane, Amur Falcon, GIB, Asian Elephant as migratory).
- Central Asian Flyway.
Mains (GS Paper III - Environment, IR)
- Significance of CMS in global wildlife conservation; India's role and initiatives.
- Unique conservation challenges for migratory species due to transboundary nature; importance of international cooperation.
- Concept of ecological connectivity and its importance.
- Discussions on India's international environmental diplomacy.
Related Previous Year Questions (Conceptual)
- Matching species with conventions/initiatives (e.g., Amur Falcon : CMS Raptors MOU).
- Questions on specific declarations (e.g., "Gandhinagar Declaration").
- Questions on specific migratory species or flyways.