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CMS COP15
Connecting Nature, Advancing Cooperation: HSF Korea at CMS COP15

At CMS COP15 in Brazil, HSF Korea advanced international cooperation on migratory species conservation, contributing to global policy dialogue and reinforcing its role as a bridge between science, regional initiatives, and multilateral frameworks.

The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held from 23 to 29 March 2026 at the Bosque Expo in Campo Grande, Brazil. Convened under the theme “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life,” the conference highlighted the essential role of ecological connectivity in maintaining resilient ecosystems that support both migratory species and human well-being. The theme further emphasized the close interlinkages between biodiversity conservation, ecological networks, and climate change.

Representing Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) Korea, Dr. Hyun-Ah Choi, Senior researcher, participated in COP15 alongside partners including WWF-Hong Kong and ACBK. Through its engagement, HSF Korea contributed to ongoing international dialogue on flyway conservation, reinforcing its role as a platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange across regions. 

During the opening session, Ms. Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, outlined key priorities for global action, including expanding species protection, tripling connected conservation areas, and strengthening international cooperation. She stressed that by working together, countries can balance development and conservation, generate sustainable economic opportunities, and safeguard natural resources for future generations.

Within this broader context, the recognition of HSF-supported activities under the Flyway Agenda (CMS COP15 Doc.26.3.1) marked an important milestone. It demonstrated the Foundation’s growing policy relevance and its ability to contribute meaningfully to multilateral processes. By facilitating dialogue platforms and supporting technical exchanges among flyway initiatives, HSF Korea has helped shape policy discussions and advance inter-flyway cooperation as a global priority. In particular, the inclusion of HSF-supported activities in official CMS documentation reflects the Foundation’s strength in translating field-level engagement and expert networks into policy-relevant outcomes. Through the GMACC project, HSF Korea has played a bridging role between scientific expertise, regional initiatives, and international policy frameworks, thereby enhancing coherence across flyway governance and strengthening the basis for coordinated global action.

In addition, HSF Korea and ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Centre, as members of the EAAFP, delivered a joint intervention on paragraph 7 of the Flyways Draft Resolution during the Committee of the Whole session on 26 March. The intervention raised important concerns regarding potential duplication with the EAAFP, which has been effectively delivering conservation outcomes for migratory waterbirds across the flyway for over two decades, and emphasized the need to maintain complementarity and coherence among existing frameworks.

Building on this momentum, HSF Korea will continue to work closely with its partners to promote ecological connectivity and conserve migratory species. By aligning science, policy, and international cooperation, the Foundation remains committed to supporting sustainable solutions that benefit both nature and society.