Conservation meet on migratory species to focus on pollution, insect decline

Tackling plastic as well as light pollution and making renewable energy wildlife-friendly are among major focus areas which will be discussed during 13th meeting of Conference of Parties to Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS-COP13) to be held in Gandhinagar between February 17 and 22.

CMS-COP is an environmental treaty under aegis of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Environmentalists and wildlife conservation experts from 126 signatory parties across globe will converge at Mahatma Mandir to discuss strategies on saving endangered migratory species.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate main conference through video conferencing on February 17, some events have alrey started from Saturday.

One of key areas to be discussed during this global event is possible verse effects of renewable energy installations, such as windmills, on migratory birds and bats.

As per CMS-COP brochure on major topics to be covered, making renewable energy wildlife-friendly will be a major focus area of convention.

"A new draft decision will be presented at CMS COP13 to integrate biodiversity and migratory species considerations into national energy and climate policy. It will enhance collaboration between UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and CMS to achieve better results with a renewable energy mix that is scientifically demonstrated to be wildlife-friendly," said CMS-COP brochure.

For first time, topic of light pollution will be on nda of a COP as artificial light, which is increasing worldwide, is affecting migratory species such as bats, birds and marine turtles.

"Decline of insects due to light pollution is reducing available prey for insectivores. However, re are international guidelines to mitigate light pollution, which can be a lethal danger to migratory species. CMS COP13 is expected to propose development of such guidelines," said document.

Decline in insects is ar new topic on nda of convention as it is an emerging threat because of its effects on migratory insectivorous animals, especially bats and birds.

"Insect biodiversity plays a vital role in correct functioning of world's ecosystems and services y provide. About 40 per cent of world's insect species may become extinct over next few deces. draft resolution being presented for option calls for analysis and action to dress decline in insect numbers," document said.

It also said convention will "encour parties to conduct furr research on impact of plastic pollution on freshwater and terrestrial CMS-listed species in support of internationally agreed policies".

meet will discuss ways for 'concerted actions' to save some Indian species like critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Bengal Florican.

" concerted action proposed by India (for GIB) focuses on restoring suitable grasslands and promoting tritional crops and organic farming. Installing reflectors on existing power lines and burying new transmission lines will reduce mortality rates. Establishing protected areas in private or community-owned land will contribute to conserving species," said document.

For Bengal Florican, India has proposed "to mitigate collision with power lines and promote sustainable agricultural practices".

Assessing distribution and population status in India, restoring suitable grasslands, controlling invasive species and involving communities will help restore Bengal Florican, it ded.

Ahe of opening ceremony on February 17, a meeting will be held on Sunday in presence of Union Environment Minister Prakash Javekar.

During this meet, environment ministers and executives of international organizations will discuss CMS priorities for Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

" Indian government plans to introduce a 'Gandhinagar Declaration' on CMS priorities for migratory species in Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. It will be presented as a resolution to CMS COP13 for option," said document.

' Champions Night' is an award ceremony, which will be held on Sunday evening, at Gift City Club in presence of Javekar.

Several governments will be recognized as 'Migratory Species Champions' for ir long-term support to conservation of migratory species, said document.