Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) have extended their decade -long partnership, protecting Dugongs, African-Eurasian birds of prey and other migratory animals of regional importance. Established in the United Arab Emirates’ capital in 2009, CMS Office — Abu Dhabi is the only regional hub for the Convention outside its headquarters in Bonn, Germany. With the extension of the partnership agreement, CMS Office — Abu Dhabi will continue its UAE operations for another four years.

Thirteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP13) to focus on adopting actions to help reverse the decline of migratory species. CMS COP13 will bring together Ministers, high-level officials, CMS partners and other stakeholders from all over the world. It will be attended by several heads of UN treaties that deal with nature, as well as CMS Ambassadors and celebrities. CMS COP13 will add new species for protection and also address emerging issues and threats. 10 new species are expected to be added to CMS, including the Asian Elephant and the Great Indian Bustard – which is the mascot of COP13.

Seven new Migratory Species Champions will be named at a special high-level event today just before the opening of the Thirteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP13). The award ceremony will take place during a pre-cop event at the Gift Club and will be followed by a reception hosted by the Indian Government.

The UN Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) has launched the Central Asian Mammals Migration and Linear Infrastructure Atlas to help ensure the survival of migratory wildlife in this important region. Featured in the Atlas are the Asiatic Cheetah, the Snow Leopard, as well as antelopes, deer, gazelles, wild horses and yaks which undertake long-distance journeys across the steppes, deserts and mountains of Central Asia to reach their feeding and breeding grounds.