FACE Senior Conservation Manager, Cy Griffin, attended the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP15), held in Campo Grande, Brazil, from 23–29 March 2026.

The conference brought together governments, international organisations, and civil society stakeholders to discuss a broad range of issues relating to migratory species, including birds, terrestrial mammals, marine species, and other wildlife that cross national borders during their life cycles. Key agenda items included the conservation status of migratory birds and mammals, action on the prevention of illegal killing, taking and trade, ecological connectivity and flyways, habitat protection, and the review of progress under the Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species (2024–2032).

At the close of the meeting, Parties agreed on new or upgraded protection measures for 40 migratory animal species and populations, covering birds, terrestrial mammals, and aquatic wildlife. Species receiving new or strengthened international protection included the snowy owl, striped hyena, cheetah, giant otter, several shark species, and a number of migratory seabirds.

In addition, Parties adopted a number of resolutions and decisions relating to habitat protection, ecological connectivity, marine migration routes, and coordinated international conservation action.

The meeting also included discussions on the illegal and unsustainable taking of migratory species. FACE welcomed the amendments proposed by the CMS scientific council on the resolution on illegal and unsustainable take expressed support for enhanced engagement with hunting and fishing organisations, as essential stakeholders for improving compliance, reporting, and sustainability. These issues remain directly relevant to FACE’s work on sustainable use, conservation, and science-based management of migratory species across Europe.