<span style="color: #222222;">The &nbsp;13th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention to Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) concluded at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar today.&nbsp;</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;"><br />” The 'Gandhinagar Declaration' aiming for major new actions for migratory species was adopted today by the participating countries at the concluding day of CMS-COP 13. The declaration stressed on the importance of migratory species for the new global biodiversity strategy.</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;"><br />” CMS executive secretary Amy Fraenkel said the first-ever report on the status of migratory species was presented to CMS-COP 13 which shows that despite the global efforts, the population of most of the migratory species is declining. Therefore, COP 13 agreed on a more comprehensive review for a better understanding of the status of individual species and threats they face. She said COP has also agreed on a number of policy measures to address the threat to migratory species such as strengthening initiatives to combat illegal killing and trade of migratory birds.</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;"><br />” AIR correspondent reports that 10 new migratory species were added to global wildlife agreement including the Asian elephant, Jaguar and Great Indian Bustard.</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;"><br />” The declaration calls upon the Parties, Governments and relevant stakeholders to promote the importance of ecological connectivity and functionality, international cooperation and the conservation of migratory species.</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;"><br />” The declaration also talks about strengthening the role of the CMS in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. It aims to support efforts to address ecological connectivity and necessary resource mobilization to achieve, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030.</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;"><br />” During the weeklong conference, a total of 10 species were added in the CMS Appendices I and II for special conservation and 13 species for Concerted Actions.</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;"><br />” The CMS Ambassadors Programme was relaunched to advocate for the conservation of migratory species and their habitats. Internationally renowned conservationist Ian Redmond, award-winning explorer and environmentalist Sacha Dench, and Indian actor Randeep Hooda were named as CMS Ambassadors for Migratory Species until 2023. Seven new Migratory Species Champions including the Government of India were named at a special high-level event organized on the sidelines of the conference. Representatives, delegates, NGOs and others from over 190 countries participated in the convention.</span><br />” &nbsp;<br />