A 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)) will be carried out March 23-29, 2026, in Campo Grande (MS), and will bring together federal and subnational governments, researchers, traditional communities and civil society institutions to discuss actions and define conservation priorities.

In this agenda, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability will promote the Subnational Government Summit and the 2nd Central-West Regional Meeting of ICLEI Brazil, which will take place on March 26 and 27, 2026. node Auditorium of the Pantanal Biopark, as a space for local and regional governments to take a leading role in the national biodiversity agenda.

The agenda is being carried out in partnership with The Municipality of Campo Grande, the Brazilian Association of State Environmental Entities (ABEMA), the Brazilian Association of Municipalities (ABM), the Forum of Secretaries of the Environment of Brazilian Capitals (CB27), and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS).

In addition to sessions that foster dialogue about the conservation of migratory species, their [problems/issues] will be discussed. Intersection with specific themes, such as biodiversity and climate agendas, urban planning, and local policies., as well as a technical visit to the Biopark.

The discussions at the roundtables focus on:

• Migratory Species in the Climate-Biodiversity Nexus: Implications for State Policies
• CB27: Green Infrastructure in Brazilian Capitals as Support for Species Migration
• and a Technical Visit to the Pantanal Biopark, scheduled for the 27th.

Among the expected authorities are:

• Eduardo Riedel, governor of Mato Grosso do Sul
• Adriane Lopes, Mayor of Campo Grande (MS)
• Jaime Verruck, Secretary of State for the Environment, Development, Science, Technology and Innovation (SEMADESC) of Mato Grosso do Sul
• Juliana Nobre, Secretary of the Environment of Belém (PA)
• Ivan Euler, Municipal Secretary of Sustainability, Resilience, Well-being and Animal Protection (SECIS) of Salvador (BA)
• Bráulio Dias, Director of the Department of Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change

The newest participants will also be announced. Journeys for Life, an initiative led by ICLEI's Center for Biodiversity and Cities to provide training and raise awareness about migratory species.

Free registration is available. at this link!

In addition to the events scheduled for the 26th and 27th, in March 25th ICLEI also hosts the event. “From COP15 on Migratory Species to COP17 on Biodiversity: how Brazilian subnational governments can prepare for and lead implementation.”. The event is open to the public and registration is not required. Information is available in the program above.

Regarding CMS COP 15

The Convention falls under the umbrella of UN environmental treaties and currently brings together more than 130 member countries. Its objective is to conserve and protect migratory terrestrial, aquatic, and avian species that cross borders throughout their life cycles.

Migratory species depend on a network of interconnected areas, that is, breeding, feeding, and resting sites. Many of these areas are within or around cities. Urban wetlands, mangroves, estuaries, municipal parks, and coastal zones are examples of fundamental habitats for migratory birds and marine species. If these spaces are degraded by uncontrolled urban expansion, pollution, or excessive artificial lighting, the impact can compromise entire migratory routes.

Therefore, although countries are responsible for the negotiations, Subnational governments are extremely important for species conservation. Cities, states, and provinces are often responsible for operating conservation units, overseeing economic activities, and implementing public policies that directly affect migratory species. Therefore, They play a strategic role in implementing local conservation initiatives, and can influence and support national commitments brought to the CMS.

The choice of Campo Grande as the host city for COP 15 was no accident. The capital of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul is located in a strategic transition region between the Cerrado, Pantanal, and Atlantic Forest biomes., This demonstrates its ecological importance in conserving habitats for animals that depend on preserved and connected environments, and makes it a relevant point for various migratory species in South America.