Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A press conference dedicated to the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 was held in Dubai. The report of the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals was presented at the event.

The presented major report will be presented at the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) in Samarkand on 12-17 February 2024.

The report highlights how climate change is directly affecting many migratory animal species. As an integral part of ecosystems, migratory species support them, mitigating the effects of climate change and increasing resilience to climate risks.

“Nature is the foundation of our lives: ecosystems, food, water security, healthy economies depend on us all. The challenges migratory species face as a result of climate change highlight the need for coordinated global action to protect the environment. That’s why the UK is playing a leading role in efforts to restore nature, halt biodiversity loss and achieve natural balance. By 2030, we aim to protect 30% of our land and seas,” said Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The event highlighted the need for urgent action to help migratory species adapt to a changing climate. It is noted that the establishment of comprehensive and interconnected networks of protected areas and other effective conservation measures for migratory species are critical to supporting their movement in response to climate change. However, in some cases direct human intervention is necessary, such as translocating vulnerable populations of species.

“Uzbekistan is one of those countries that has been most severely affected by the negative effects of climate change, which has seriously affected ecosystem degradation, habitat loss and biodiversity. The government of the republic strives to strengthen regional cross-border cooperation, is a supporter of strengthening measures to preserve and protect biodiversity, migratory species of animals, and taking measures at the national, regional and global levels. At the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14), which will be held on 12-17 February 2024 in Samarkand under the slogan “Nature knows no boundaries,” special attention will be paid to these problems,” said the Minister of Ecology, environmental protection and climate change of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov.

The UN Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) will provide a global platform for the conservation of migratory species and the sustainable use of their habitats. This convention will bring together governments and wildlife experts from around the world to address the conservation needs of terrestrial and aquatic animals, as well as migratory bird species and their habitats. Since the Convention came into force in 1979, its membership has steadily increased and now includes 132 member countries from Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

It should be noted that the report “Climate Change and Migratory Species: Review of Impacts, Conservation Actions, Indicators and Ecosystem Services” was commissioned by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and presented with the support of the Nature Conservation Committee. The document itself was prepared by the Climate Change Convention and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).

BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) is the UK’s leading ornithological charity, founded in 1932, dedicated to securing the future of birds and nature. The Foundation contributes to bird biology research, primarily the study of bird populations and reproduction, and bird banding, through the participation of a large number of volunteers. A growing number of members and around 60,000 volunteer birdwatchers are involved in BTO research, collecting data that underpins bird conservation efforts in the UK. Employees of the organization analyze and publish the results of surveys and projects.

The report also notes that global warming will negatively impact many groups of migratory species. In particular, climate change is affecting the distribution and timing of their migration. This creates a mismatch, for example, between the breeding season of aquatic animals and the time when prey species are most abundant.

It is worth noting that biodiversity around the world is declining at an unprecedented rate, and climate change is one of the main factors in this crisis. In 2021, the world’s leading scientists stressed that the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change are inextricably linked, and both must be tackled together. Last year’s Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Program highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions in the fight against climate change. Conservation of migratory species and their habitats is an important part of solving both biodiversity and environmental problems.

“This report provides robust scientific evidence that climate change is having significant impacts on many species that rely on migration around the world. The present influences the future for many iconic species. We need to raise global awareness that solutions to problems are possible. We encourage governments to use this report to take action and find nature-based solutions that will help migratory species and reduce the impacts of climate change,” said former JNCC and CMS COP Chair and Climate Change Advisor Professor Colin Galbraith.

JNCC – Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Is the only conservation organization in all four countries of the UK providing trusted scientific evidence and advice based on science and nature. For over 30 years, JNCC’s proven experience, dedication and skills have made a significant contribution to conservation and restoration.

Changes in water supplies are leading to the disappearance of wetlands and reduced river flows, which affects the migration of fish and waterfowl. Landslides and similar climate-related extreme events cause severe habitat disruption. Migratory species are important for ecosystem functioning and climate change mitigation. Many migratory species are associated with the movement and dispersal of seeds and nutrients. Animals also serve to reduce coastal erosion.

At the end of the press conference, the need to strengthen mutual cooperation to protect migratory species from the negative effects of climate change was emphasized.