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Context: The 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP 14) concluded with the adoption of the Initiative for the Central Asian Flyway, led by India and supported by BirdLife International and 30 other governments.

Details

• The Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP 14) adopted the Initiative for the Central Asian Flyway introduced by India. This initiative aims to protect and restore the favourable conservation status of migratory species populations and ensure their ecological connectivity along the Central Asian Flyway.

Background

• Central Asian Flyway Countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, UAE, UK (British Indian Ocean Territory), Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
• Threats: Severe habitat loss, overexploitation, illegal killing, and the rapid development of energy infrastructure leading to collisions and electrocutions.

Flyway ●A flyway is a flight path used by large numbers of birds while migrating between their breeding grounds and their overwintering quarters. ●Flyways generally span continents and often pass over oceans. ●There are nine major flyways in the world, each encompassing a variety of habitats and bird species. The Central Asian Flyway, stretching from Russia to the Maldives and supporting over 600 species of migratory birds.

Central Asian Flyway Initiative

• Proposal Origin: Introduced by India and supported by BirdLife International and 30 other governments from Russian Siberia to the Maldives.
• Objective: To establish an initiative under CMS for the Central Asian Flyway.
• Focus Areas
  • Population Restoration: Address the decline in populations of over 240 migratory bird species in the flyway, with 48 species listed as Globally Threatened or Near Threatened.
  • Ecological Connectivity: Assist in maintaining ecological connectivity for migratory species within the flyway.
  • Cultural Importance: Recognize the cultural importance of migratory birds to communities along the route.

Key Components of the Initiative

• Platform for Capacity Building: The initiative is designed to serve as a platform for capacity building, enabling knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and coordination among all countries along the Central Asian Flyway.
• Conservation Focus: The primary goal is to conserve the populations of the 600+ species of migratory birds that use the Central Asian Flyway, recognizing the ecological importance and cultural value of these species.
• Programme of Work: The initiative will develop and enforce a Programme of Work aligned with resolutions, decisions, and plans established by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS).

Role of Central Asian Flyway Initiative

• Coordination: Facilitate coordination among the range countries to enhance collaborative efforts for the conservation of migratory birds.
• Research and Knowledge Sharing: Support research initiatives and promote the sharing of knowledge and findings related to migratory bird species in the Central Asian Flyway.
• Capacity Building: Contribute to capacity building initiatives, empowering countries to actively participate in the conservation efforts. 

Conservation Challenges

• Habitat Loss: Address the significant issue of severe habitat loss along the Central Asian Flyway, which poses a threat to migratory bird populations.
• Overexploitation and Illegal Killing: Combat the challenges of overexploitation and illegal killing of migratory birds, recognizing these as serious threats to their populations.
• Energy Infrastructure Impact: Mitigate the impact of rapid development in energy infrastructure, which can lead to collisions and electrocutions, posing additional threats to migratory species.

Collaboration and Commitment

• International Cooperation: Reflects the commitment of multiple countries to international collaboration for the conservation of migratory species, acknowledging the need for joint efforts.
• Holistic Approach: Aims to take a holistic approach by considering ecological, cultural, and conservation aspects, recognizing the interconnectedness of these elements in effective conservation strategies.

Conclusion

• The Central Asian Flyway Initiative, adopted during CMS COP 14, represents a concerted effort by multiple countries to address the challenges faced by migratory bird species. The initiative's comprehensive approach encompasses conservation, cultural significance, and ecological connectivity along the flyway. It underscores the importance of global cooperation in safeguarding the well-being of migratory species.

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CMS COP14: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/cms-cop14 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Wetland degradation not only affects birds but also has cascading effects on water quality, climate regulation, and flood control. How to effectively measure and integrate these often invisible impacts into economic and policy decisions related to environmental protection? Answer Structure: ●Introduce the topic by defining what wetlands are and why they are important for humans and nature. ●Explain the causes and effects of wetland degradation on different dimensions, such as biodiversity, water quality, climate change mitigation, and flood prevention. Provide examples and data to support the arguments. ●Discuss the challenges and gaps in measuring and integrating these impacts into economic and policy decisions. Highlight the limitations of existing methods and frameworks, such as cost-benefit analysis, ecosystem services valuation, and environmental impact assessment. ●Suggest some possible solutions and recommendations to overcome these challenges and gaps. For example, adopting a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, involving stakeholders and communities, applying the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle, and promoting wetland conservation and restoration. ●Conclude by summarizing the main points and emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect wetlands and their functions and services.