Stronger Together: Advancing Seagrass and Dugong Conservation at CMS COP15
Cover photo: © GEF Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Project (GEF) DSCP
The fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP15), taking place from 23 to 29 March 2026 in Campo Grande, Brazil, marks an important moment for advancing the conservation of migratory species and their habitats.
CMS COP15 is expected to adopt decisions and provide strategic guidance to strengthen the implementation of the CMS framework, including the CMS Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species 2024-2032. Discussions will also focus on improving ecological connectivity and strengthening cooperation with global biodiversity and climate initiatives. Particular attention will be given to addressing habitat degradation in coastal and marine ecosystems and strengthening regional cooperation for conservation.
The meeting provides a great opportunity to address challenges and advance priorities under the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs (Dugong dugon) and their Habitats throughout their Range (Dugong MOU), especially for the conservation and sustainable management of seagrass ecosystems which are critical habitats for dugongs. Several agenda items at COP15 are expected to address topics related to dugong conservation, including marine habitats, regional consultations, and nature-based solutions.
These themes will be highlighted through the side event “Enhancing seagrass ecosystem conservation: connecting regions across the Dugong Range”, which will be held on 23 March 2026 during CMS COP15. The event will highlight the importance of seagrass ecosystems for dugong conservation and the role of regional cooperation in supporting their protection, and will share key outcomes from regional dialogues and scientific workshops held in 2025 across Asia, the Arabian region, and the Western Indian Ocean. The event will also highlight lessons from these initiatives and identify ways to strengthen research collaboration and regional cooperation in support of seagrass conservation and dugong protection.
