International news

I am pleased to recognize the achievements of the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement on its 25th Anniversary. The Agreement covers the whole of Europe and Africa together with the Middle East, Central Asia and the Canadian Archipelago, making this instrument the largest of its kind developed under the Convention on Migratory Species. In its 25 years of history, AEWA has become a strong motor for flyway conservation and a true champion for international conservation efforts for migratory waterbirds across Africa and Eurasia.

The CMS/IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU Secretariat extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr Colin ‘Col’ Limpus for being made an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours on 7 June. He received the award for his “distinguished service to environmental science, particularly to the conservation of sea turtles, and as a mentor of young scientists”.

The African Elephant Fund Steering Committee launches the tenth round of call for proposals to the African Elephant Fund. The purpose of this call is to allow African Elephant Range States to seek emergency funding to address elephant conservation challenges related to COVID 19 and to support the implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan.

This year’s World Environment Day theme, “Time for Nature”, reminds us that our lives, culture, society and economies are inextricably linked to a healthy planet where nature can thrive. Migratory species are an essential component of ‘biodiversity’ – the variety of life on Earth - and provide direct benefits, such as pest control, pollination and seed dispersal, as well as forming the basis of sustainable tourism and wildlife watching, which generate significant revenues and employment for millions of people around the world.

In accordance with Article XI, paragraph 5 of the Convention text, the amendments to the Appendices agreed at COP13 entered into force on 22 May 2020.

Migratory species are vital parts of nature and of healthy ecosystems that are essential to sustaining life on Earth. They also provide direct and measurable benefits, such as pest control, pollination and seed dispersal. Natural areas and parks, sustainable tourism and wildlife viewing all produce significant revenues and jobs globally.

World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated by people across the world on Saturday, 9 May with the theme “Birds Connect Our World”. 
The UN-led campaign aims to raise awareness of migratory birds and the importance of international cooperation to conserve them. It is organized by a collaborative partnership among two UN treaties - the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) - and the Colorado-based non-profit organization, Environment for the Americas (EFTA).

On Saturday, 9 May 2020, people around the world will celebrate World Migratory Bird Day – a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. This year’s theme “Birds Connect Our World” highlights the importance of conserving and restoring the ecological connectivity and integrity of ecosystems that support the natural cycles that are essential for the survival and well-being of migratory birds.