Why is the Bonn Convention Significant?

The primary objective of the Bonn Convention is to safeguard the migratory species of wild animals and their habitats. The CMS is the only global treaty that specifically addresses the conservation needs of migratory species. It operates under the umbrella of the United Nations Environment Programme and includes legally binding agreements as well as non-binding Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) based on specific conservation needs.

Key Points about the Bonn Convention for UPSC Aspirants

• The Bonn Convention is also known as the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
• The convention brings together states and range states through which migratory species pass to facilitate measures for their conservation and protection.
• The Bonn Convention features two appendices:
  • Appendix I (Endangered Species): This includes the list of migratory species that are at risk of extinction throughout their range or a significant portion of their range.
  • Appendix II: This includes those migratory species that require conservation through international agreements and would significantly benefit from such efforts.
• The 51st Meeting of the Bonn Convention was held in India, coinciding with CMS COP 13.
• The Bonn Convention has the highest number of members from African regions, followed by Europe.

India's Role in the Bonn Convention

• India has been a participant in the Bonn Convention since 1983. Some of the important migratory species in India include the Amur Falcons, Bar-headed Geese, Black-necked cranes, Marine turtles, Dugongs, and Humpback Whales.
• India will be the President of COP to the Bonn Convention until 2023. India recently hosted COP 13 to the Bonn Convention in February 2020. The theme of the 13th session of COP was, "Migratory species connect the planet and together we welcome them home."
• India has also launched the National Action Plan for the conservation of migratory species under the Central Asian Flyway.
• India had non-legally binding MoUs with the CMS on the conservation and management of Siberian Cranes (1998), Marine Turtles (2007), Dugongs (2008), and Raptors (2016).

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