8 October 2014: The Coordinating Unit of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Raptors Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) announced that the Saker Falcon Global Action Plan (SakerGAP) is now available online at the CMS website.

The SakerGAP is a ten-year plan (2015-2024), developed by the Saker Falcon Task Force, to support initiatives aimed at conserving wild Saker Falcon populations throughout their range, and to ensure that any use of the species in traditional falconry is sustainable. The Task Force was established as part of a Concerted Action process adopted at the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) to the CMS. More than 50 government representatives, specialists and stakeholders from more than 20 countries have joined the Task Force.

In July 2014, the SakerGAP was unanimously endorsed by CMS Scientific Councillors at the 18th meeting of Scientific Council, which convened in Bonn, Germany. It will be presented for final approval at the forthcoming CMS COP 11 in Quito, Ecuador, in November 2014. The Saker Falcon Task Force has also put forward four Flagship Proposals, including creating an Online Information Portal to engage 10 falcon hospitals, falconers and trappers within a Saker Falcon Network; deploying 100 satellite tags to track the movements of selected falcons; and erecting artificial nest platforms and new “bird-safe” electricity poles. [CMS News] [Publication: Saker Falcon Global Action Plan]