The 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CMS COP12) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), scheduled to hold from October 23 to 28, 2017 in Manila, Philippines, will address links between sustainable development and the conservation of wildlife.
The first to be held in Asia, the CMS COP12 is touted to be the largest wildlife summit in 2017, with over 500 delegates from more than 120 countries expected to attend.
The theme of the Conference – “Their Future is Our Future – Sustainable Development for Wildlife and People” – is said to reflect the intrinsic link between the world’s wildlife and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At COP12, a number of issues and proposals will be tabled, including the listing of species as well as fresh initiatives, resolutions, action plans and guidelines for aquatic species, birds, and terrestrial species.
A High Level Panel Discussion will precede COP12 on October 22, at which Environment Ministers, executives of international organisations and Goodwill Ambassadors will discuss the links between sustainable development and the conservation of wildlife with special focus on migratory species and the SDGs. The discussion will result in the Manila Declaration, which will be presented to the Conference for consideration.
Also, on the October 22, several governments will be recognised as Migratory Species Champions for their long-term support to initiatives that benefit the conservation of migratory species during a specially convened Champion Night.
There will also be over 50 side events during the week of the COP as well as celebrity events such as the launch of the Report “Cetaceans of the Red Sea” with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador, Yann Arthus-Bertrand on October 23.
The CMS COP is a triennial summit that brings together States through which migratory animals pass and lays the legal foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures.
The CMS is being administered by UNEP.
