The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) was signed in 1979 in response to the growing concerns about the damage that an increasingly interconnected world was doing to migratory species. Migratory species must cross international boundaries quite often to hunt, nest, and stay warm. Therefore, even if one state along the migratory path protects these species, they may still face extinction if any single state along their path actively destroys their habitats. Global action is needed to protect global species. The CMS coordinates the creation of conservation agreements and treaties focused on individual species or threatened ecosystems. Previous treaties have been vital to the protection of beloved species like flamingos, gorillas, sea turtles, and whales. Often, there is an intense focus on how to best preserve the habitats that these species rely on. Flamingos in the Andes are particularly vulnerable to the destruction of delicate wetland environments, and many birds that migrate across the Sahara Desert are threatened by growing desertification. Delegates in this committee will be challenged to find new ways to protect animals and their habitats against the growing demands of a global, interconnected economy.

Each year, more than three million wildebeest migrate across Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya in what is known as the “Great Migration.” Other animals, including antelope, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and zebras, also participate in this migration. Following closely behind are their predators, such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Serengeti National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a result of its phenomenal ecological and cultural value. Maasai Mara Reserve, however, remains on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The lack of full protection for migratory pathways and reserves can result in the “Serengeti Squeeze.” The “squeeze” refers to the effect of human development surrounding migratory paths and reserves that push migratory animals into increasingly smaller land areas. GPS data show that wildebeest have changed their pathways in response to farmland and livestock encroachment around historic migratory pathways. With the stability of these migrations at risk, the CND must intervene before a massive ecological collapse takes place. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were developed with the goal of peace and prosperity for people and the planet. It is important to recognize the connection between human, habitat, and species wellness to achieve the SDGs. By working to protect and preserve the Great Migration, the CMS will be moving the world toward a future that emphasizes unity between humans, animals, and their environment.

Sharks are widely known around the world for their ferocity and danger. However, despite the common narrative that humans should fear sharks, sharks have more reason to fear us. Over 100 million sharks are killed by humans every year through fishing. Niche, high-value products have increased the demand for sharks in the global economic markets. For example, over 3 million sharks are killed annually just to fulfill the needs of the global beauty industry. Even when sharks are not the target of fishing operations, they are still caught as bycatch—killed in nets intended for other fish species. Because of this, marine shark and ray populations have declined by 70 percent just in the past 50 years, with one-third of species threatened with extinction. The Pacific Ocean has the largest number of shark species in the world, making these waters of particularly great concern for conservationists. Beyond the number of species, Australia and its surrounding waters are also home to the largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef, home to a rich array of ocean species. Unfortunately, the reef is in dire need of protection as well. To ensure the protection of shark species and to promote Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Under Water, CMS must take swift action before the problem becomes even more serious.