PM affirms India’s commitment towards conservation of Migratory species

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar through Video Conferencing.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi affirmed India’s commitment towards the conservation of Migratory Species. Prime Minister said that India has been championing Climate Action based on the values of conservation, sustainable lifestyle and green development model. He said that conservation of wildlife and habitats has been a part of the cultural ethos of India, which encourages compassion and co-existence.

PM highlighted various initiatives taken by his government for the conservation of wildlife and increase in forest cover in the country.
Stressing upon the need of coordinated efforts in the field of conservation, PM said India proposes to strengthen its association with the ASEAN and East Asia Summit countries.  He said this will be in sync with the Indo Pacific Ocean Initiative wherein India will be playing a leadership role.

The theme of the Conference is “Migratory species connect the planet and we welcome them home.” The CMS COP 13 logo is inspired by ‘Kolam’, a traditional artform from southern India. In the logo, Kolam art form is used to depict key migratory species in India like Amur falcon, humpback whale and marine turtles. The mascot for CMS COP13, “Gibi – The Great Indian Bustard” is a critically endangered species, which has been accorded the highest protection status under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Representatives from 130 countries, eminent conservationists and international NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation are attending the Conference of Parties. Many national and international organizations will showcase best practices in wildlife conservation in the exhibition area in the COP which will go on till 22nd of this month. As the host, India will be designated the President for the next three years. India is signatory to the Convention on Conservation of Migratory wild Animals since 1983. Government has been taking necessary actions to protect and conserve migratory marine species.

Union Minister for Environment, forests and climate change Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State for Environment Babul Supriyo, Executive Secretary of CMS Amy Franenkel and Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani were present on the occasion. The customized stamp for CMS COP 13 was also released on the occasion.

The CMS COP 13 kicked off super year for nature. The week long conference will address the emerging threats for migratory birds like light pollution plastic pollution. Ten new species are expected to be added for protection under CMS including Asian elephant and Givereat Indian Bustard which is the mascot of COP 13.