The Australian Minister of the Environment, Hon. Senator Robert Hill, has personally intervened to improve the conservation of seabirds in the Southern Hemisphere. On his instructions, the Australian CMS focal point, Anne-Marie Delahunt, and CMS Scientific Councillor,  Andrew McNee, with major support of Environment Australia have prepared a draft Agreement and Action Plan on the conservation of the Southern Hemisphere albatrosses and petrels.

Australia organised and hosted a consultative meeting in Hobart, Australia, from 10-14 July 2000, attended by the authorities of various Range States and intergovernmental organisations. Senator Hill opened the meeting, stressing the various threats to the birds and the urgent need for international coordinated action to improve their conservation status. He confirmed the willingness of the Government of Australia to advance the process of negotiating and concluding an Agreement under the CMS.

At the negotiations, the participants made good progress in the development of an Agreement and Action Plan. For the report of the Hobart meeting, please click    

It is now important that all Range States as well as relevant IGO’s, NGO’s and scientific institutions take an active part in the final negotiations required to conclude this vital Agreement. Thereafter, it will be essential to secure the membership of all countries exercising sovereign rights in the migration range of the albatross and petrel species concerned, and which undertake fishing and other activities impacting on the their habitat.

For the draft Agreement text in English, Spanisch and French and the final report of the Hobart meeting please click here:

http://www.biodiversity.environment.gov.au/wildlife/conventions/albatross/index.html

For related stories: http://ens.lycos.com/ens/jul2000/2000L-07-24-10.html