25 November 2011: The 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) adopted 27 resolutions, including on: synergies and partnerships; the future shape of the CMS; budget; enhanced engagement with the Global Environment Facility (GEF); and climate change and migratory species.

CMS COP 10 convened in Bergen, Norway, from 20-25 November 2011. Among the agreements, delegates agreed to list under Appendix I: the saker falcon (Falco cherrug), the red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) and the far eastern and bristle-thighed curlew (Numenius madagascariensis and tahitiensis). Under Appendix II, delegates agreed to list: the argali mountain sheep (Ovis ammon) and bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus). And under Appendix I and II, delegates agreed to list the giant manta ray (Manta birostris). The COP adopted a budget that represented a 5 percent increase from the previous triennium. On collaboration with the GEF, the COP instructed the CMS Secretariat to solicit input from Parties and liaise with relevant bodies of the GEF and the secretariats of other biodiversity-related MEAs to investigate options for enhancing engagement with the GEF.

On migratory species conservation in light of climate change, the CMS Secretariat introduced a draft “Message to Durban” from Norway as President of COP 10, and in its final resolution, the COP encouraged parties to evaluate and reduce the additional impacts on migratory species resulting from changes in human behavior due to climate change (the “tertiary effects”).

Closing the COP, Norway emphasized the importance of ecological networks and reminded delegates that “resolutions are just the beginning,” and action is needed. [IISD RS Coverage of CMS COP 10] [UNEP Press Release] [CMS Webpage of COP 10 Resolutions]