New Delhi (NVI): Hosting 13th Conference of Parties is a significant step towards wildlife conservation in India, in which representatives from 130 countries, eminent conservationists and international NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation will be taking part.
Speaking ahead of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) of wild animals, to be held in Gujarat, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the opening of the conference on February 17, 2020.
The theme of CMS COP13 in India is, ‘Migratory species connect the planet and we welcome them home’. The CMS COP 13 logo is inspired by ‘Kolam’, a traditional artform from southern India.
As the host, India shall be designated the President for the next three years.The government is Signatory to the Convention on Conservation of Migratory wild Animals (CMS) since 1983.
India has been taking necessary actions to protect and conserve migratory marine species. Seven species that include Dugong, Whale Shark, Marine Turtle (two species), have been identified for preparation of Conservation and Recovery Action Plan so far.
The mascot for CMS COP13, “Gibi – The Great Indian Bustard” is a critically endangered species which has been accorded the highest protection status under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
India is home to several migratory species of wildlife including snow leopard, Amur falcons, bar headed Geese, black necked cranes, marine turtles, humpbacked whales, etc. and has signed non legally binding MOU with CMS on the conservation and management of Siberian Cranes (1998), Marine Turtles (2007), Dugongs (2008) and Raptors (2016).
