Int’l body adopts Phl declaration on wildlife protection

MANILA — The United Nations-backed Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) has adopted a resolution drafted by the Philippines, which recognizes the role of migratory wildlife in achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 set by the UN.

The resolution, dubbed as the “Manila Declaration,” calls on the 124 countries, which are signatories to the CMS, to development frameworks and implement relevant plans that would harmonize the CMS' goals on wildlife protection with the 17 SDGs identified by the UN in 2015.

Drafted by the Philippine delegation led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Manila Declaration acknowledges the significant contribution of migratory wildlife to sustainable development, especially in the areas of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism, energy, transport and trade.

As such, the resolution also calls on the private sector to engage in dialogue to align their company policies with the objectives of the CMS and to promote active participation of indigenous and local communities in the sustainable management of resources.

The resolution will be submitted to the UN General Assembly, UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the Third Meeting of the UN Environment Assembly.

“This serves as an important milestone in our common struggle to safeguard migratory species and their habitats as we seek to pursue sustainable development,” DENR undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr. said.

“The Manila Declaration should spur decision and actions that would cascade benefits that deliver the security of migratory species, and therefore, our future,” he added.

The declaration was adopted by the Conference of Parties (COP) to the CMS on Sunday, the last day of its week-long 12th Convention held in Manila from October 23 to 28.