THIS WAS a convention not many have heard of. Yet, it’s crucial for the several birds and mammals that move from one country to another in search of food and shelter, and for breeding. The Indian Elephant, for instance, which migrates from India to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar, is an endangered species and must be protected. The excitement was, therefore, palpable at the United Nation Environment Programme’s 13th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (cms cop13) when the Indian Elephant, along with the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard and Bengal Florican was adopted for additional protection.
CMS, a treaty agreed by 130 countries, is also called the Bonn Convention as it started in the city, in Germany, way back in 1979. It is amongst the several conventions on biodiversity, such as the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). But it holds importance for being the only one to work towards conservation of migratory species. This year, it was special for India as for the first time cop was hosted in the country. Delegates of 78 countries attended the conference held in February end, in Gujarat.
WIDESPREAD TRADE
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits
DIGGING A DISASTER
Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient
MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE
As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production
Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?
Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag
TROUBLED WOODS
Forests are a great bulwark against climate change. But this is fast changing. AKSHIT SANGOMLA travels through some of the pristine patches of the Western Ghats to explore how natural disturbances triggered by global warming now threaten the forest health
BLINDING GLOW
The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.
GROUND REALITY
What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.
Vinchurni's Gandhi
A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara