Conclusion of the COP13 on CMS

The conference of parties-13 on the conservation of migratory species, held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, concluded recently. India is to hold the COP presidency for the next 3 years.

• Which species is the mascot of the COP13?

The Great Indian Bustard is the mascot of the COP13 on CMS held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It is a critically endangered bird that lives in dry grasslands and scrub ecosystems. It is one of the heaviest of birds capable of flight. It is threatened by hunting and habitat loss.

• What new species were added to the CMS Appendices?

During the COP13 meeting, 10 new species were added to the CMS Appendices: Asian Elephant, Jaguar, Great Indian Bustard, Bengal Florican, Little Bustard, Antipodean Albatross and the Oceanic White-tip Shark were added to appendix I while Urial, Smooth Hammerhead Shark and the Tope Shark were added to appendix II.

• What is the Gandhinagar Declaration?

The Gandhinagar Declaration was adopted during the COP13. It highlighted the concept of ‘ecological connectivity’. It called for prioritizing such connectivity in the new framework to be adopted in the October UN Biodiversity Conference. India is to hold presidency of the conference of parties for the next 3 years.