18 February 2011: The Secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan convened representatives of wildlife management authorities in the country and experts, from 17-18 February 2011, in central Kazakhstan, to discuss the implementation of CMS memoranda of understanding on the Saiga Antelope and the Bukhara Deer.

The meeting explored: opportunities for action under the CMS Eurasian Aridlands Mammals initiative; pilot projects for further development of the initiative in the region; and potential new species listings under the Convention. At the meeting, the UNEP/CMS Secretariat concluded an agreement with two environmental NGOs, the Association of the Conservation of Biodiversity in Kazakhstan and the Saiga Conservation Alliance, which will provide technical support to urgent conservation activities under the international work programme. [CMS Press Release]