11 December 2012: The First Meeting of Signatories (MoS1) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU) took place from 9-11 December 2012, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It was attended by more than 90 participants, including representatives from 22 Signatories and the EU.

Signatories agreed on: a process for future work and national reporting; the creation of the Raptors MoU Coordination Unit and the Technical and Advisory Group; identification of priority areas to address the threats facing birds of prey; and endorsement of CMS CoP 10 Resolution 10.11 on power lines and migratory birds.

In closing the session, the CMS Secretariat highlighted the two new signatories, Somalia and Niger, and thanked the host country, particularly the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and the financial support of the UK. The Chair expressed satisfaction with the work rhythm and underscored that falcons can “link cultures.”

According to IISD Reporting Services, participants expressed a sense of accomplishment and praised the CMS Secretariat for steering the MoU in the right direction. However, they were conscious of the scale of the challenges facing migratory birds of prey. MoU Signatories will have to address the challenges by developing national and regional raptor conservation and management strategies, while using the MoU as a tool for international coordination efforts, IISD RS notes.

The Raptors MoU covers 76 migratory species of birds of prey and owls, which occur in 130 countries in Africa and Eurasia. While all birds of prey are exposed to a range of threats, migratory raptors are particularly at risk. [IISD RS Meeting Coverage] [CMS Press Release] [Migratory Wildlife Network News]