In the lead-up to the forthcoming 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14), the Government of Uzbekistan and the CMS Secretariat are pleased to unveil the conference's official logo and slogan. The UN wildlife conservation conference is set to take place in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 12 to 17 February 2024.

On this year’s World Sea Turtle Day, the CMS Secretariat is pleased to launch a new report on the Hawksbill Turtle.  The Assessment of the Conservation Status of the Hawksbill Turtle in the Western Pacific Ocean Region presents a synopsis of what is known about hawksbill turtles in the Western Pacific Ocean, including knowledge of nesting and foraging populations and legislative and protection measures across signatory states.

From the tropics to the Arctic circle, seagrasses are amongst the most widespread coastal habitats on the planet, existing in 159 countries. They are essential both for many migratory species of wild animals, as well as for climate change mitigation. Thousands of species depend on seagrasses for food, nursery grounds, and shelter.  Many others may use seagrass habitats as an important site for feeding along their migratory routes.

We are pleased to announce that next year’s World Migratory Bird Day campaign will focus on the topic of water and its importance for migratory birds. Water is fundamental to life on our planet. The vast majority of migratory birds rely on aquatic ecosystems during their life cycles. Inland and coastal wetlands, rivers, lakes, streams, marshes, and ponds are all vital for feeding, drinking, or nesting, and also as places to rest and refuel during their long journeys.