14 July 2016: The first-ever meeting of the Intergovernmental Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds concluded with the adoption of the Cairo Declaration in which countries agreed to a “zero tolerance approach” to any illegal killing, taking and trade of migratory birds (IKB) in the Mediterranean Region in accordance with national law, commitments under international conventions and multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs).

According to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), an estimated 25 million birds are killed every year in the Mediterranean as they migrate between Europe and Africa, leading to the decline of species like the European Turtle Dove, whose numbers have dropped by up to 90% in some countries since 2000. To address this issue, the adopted Declaration calls for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders, as well as regular monitoring of the Task Force’s programme of work.

The Task Force, which brings together governments of countries bordering the Mediterranean, including Algeria, Malta, Morocco and Syria, as well as international organizations, the EU, legal networks, hunting organizations, and NGOs, was convened by the CMS from 12-15 July 2016, in Cairo, Egypt. [UNEP Press Release] [CMS Press Release] [Cairo Declaration]