COP10 Outcome: New Joint Work Programme Strengthens CMS-Ramsar Partnership

Lake Natron  © Laura CerasiBonn,
3 April 2012
- The Secretariats of the Convention
on Migratory Species (CMS) and Ramsar have decided to renew
the formal foundation of their long-standing collaboration.

The new Joint Work Plan (JWP) for the period
2012-2014 concentrates on tangible goals. It was endorsed
by the 38th meeting of the CMS Standing Committee preceding
CMS COP10 in November 2011. Ramsar COP11 is expected to
approve it.

Relevant CMS instruments were involved
in the drafting the JWP which will serve as a basis for
additional plans between Ramsar and CMS daughter agreements.
Many Resolutions adopted by CMS COP10 relate to the work
of Ramsar and are therefore reflected in the JWP.

The plan covers a wide array of activities
ranging from managing species populations and wetland ecosystems
to the joint implementation of information, outreach and
capacity building initiatives. The two organizations are
joining hands, for instance, to further promote the use
of existing critical site networks, including Ramsar sites,
to achieve their goals. They also intend to create synergies
to better address impacts of climate change on biodiversity.

In addition, they will tackle specific
challenges such as the emergence and spread of animal diseases.
In accordance with CMS Res.10.22, which highlights the importance
of the Ramsar manual on animal disease in wetlands, a new
Scientific Task Force on Wildlife and Ecosystem Health was
established. It continues the efforts of the Task Force
on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds .

Ramsar remains a key partner for conserving
flyways on a global scale. The World Wetlands Day and World
Migratory Bird Day campaigns will benefit from mutual support
of both partners.

The collaboration will not entail significant
extra cost. If needed, both organizations will jointly seek
external funding. While strengthening their coordination
and ccooperation to conduct joint activities , the two Convention
Secretariats expect to maximize efficiency and available
funds.

 

Last updated on 16 June 2014