[1] The agreement was signed under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme and is concerned with conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale.

The CMS is the only global, and United Nations-based, intergovernmental organization established exclusively for the conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species.

Further in Article 2(2) The parties "acknowledge" [but do not commit in stronger language, cf Art 2(3) "shall"] "the need to take action to avoid any migratory species becoming endangered".

[2] Article 2(3) of the convention states that the parties: (a) Should promote, cooperate in and support research relating to migratory species;(b) Shall endeavour to provide immediate protection for migratory species included in Appendix I; and(c) Shall endeavour to conclude AGREEMENTS covering the conservation and management of migratory species included in Appendix II.The following are all parties to the convention, as of 1 January 2021:[3][4] Sovereign states Other states/entities Signed, but not ratified The following, while not parties to the convention, are party to one or more of the agreements and/or have signed one or more of the MOUs:[3][4] Sovereign states Other states/entities The CMS Family covers a great diversity of migratory species.

Among the instruments, AEWA covers 254 species of birds that are ecologically dependent on wetlands for at least part of their annual cycle.

Migratory species threatened with extinction are listed on Appendix I of the convention, with relevant provisions outlined in Article III, paragraphs 4 and 5.

CMS parties strive towards strictly protecting these animals, conserving or restoring the places where they live, mitigating obstacles to migration and controlling other factors that might endanger them.

Migratory species that need or would significantly benefit from international co-operation are listed in Appendix II of the convention.

These species, either individually or by taxonomic group, are the basis for establishing instruments – regional or global – under CMS.

The CMS acts as a framework convention and encourages its states parties to conclude global or regional agreements.

To date seven agreements have been signed, they are as follow:[5][6] In addition, several memoranda of understanding (MOU) have also been concluded under the auspices of CMS.

They include: arranging for and servicing meetings of the COP, Scientific Council and Standing Committee, maintaining liaison between the states parties, disseminating information that furthers the objectives and implementation CMS, preparing COP reports, promote the conclusion of CMS Agreements, among other functions.