24 January 2014: Experts on birds of prey convened in Edinburgh, Scotland, for the First Meeting of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG1) to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MOU). The establishment of the Group is a vehicle to enhance cooperation to address specific threats to raptors, such as electrocution and poisoning. TAG1, held from 21-24 January, reviewed a series of conservation priorities.

In particular, TAG1 developed a two-year work plan (2014-2015) inclusive of 10 key tasks. Among the highest priorities identified were activities to address the central threats to migratory birds of prey, such as electrocution, poisoning and illegal persecution. TAG1 noted that many of these threats also impact the conservation status of other wildlife species (in addition to birds of prey) and therefore recognized the need to communicate, collaborate and coordinate with other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) to ensure the achievement of effective and widely supported outcomes. TAG1 also highlighted the need to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, industry, landowners, scientists and conservation bodies.

The Raptors MOU was concluded in 2008 under the auspices of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). The next Meeting of Signatories is scheduled to take place in late 2015. [CMS News Release] [Wild Migration News] [IISD RS Sources]