The Conference of the Parties (CoP) is the main decision-making body of the Convention.
The CoP meets approximately once every three years. The last COP (COP12) took place in Manila, Philippines in 2017.
The details of previous CoPare as:
| Title | Start date | Country |
| Thirteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 15.02.2020 | India |
| Twelfth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 23.10.2017 | Philippines |
| Eleventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 04.11.2014 | Ecuador |
| Tenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 20.11.2011 | Norway |
| Ninth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 01.12.2008 | Italy |
| Eighth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 20.11.2005 | Kenya |
| Seventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 18.09.2002 | Germany |
| Sixth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 10.11.1999 | South Africa |
| Fifth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 10.04.1997 | Switzerland |
| Fourth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 07.06.1994 | Kenya |
| Third Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 09.09.1991 | Switzerland |
| Second Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 13.10.1988 | Switzerland |
| First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS | 21.10.1985 | Germany |