Acknowledging the importance of migratory species as a key component of global biodiversity, the CBD Conference of the Parties (Nairobi, May 2000) requested the CBD Executive Secretary in its Decision V/21 to develop, in collaboration with the CMS Executive Secretary, a proposal on how migratory species could be integrated into the work programme of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Significant discussions were held during the last meeting of SBSTTA (the scientific body of the CBD) in Montreal from 12 to16 March, which is recommending to the forthcoming CBD COP 7 (The Hague, April 2002) that:

1) CMS be recognized as the lead partner in the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species over their entire range while recognizing that CMS provides an international framework through which Range States can cooperate on migratory issues;

(2) CBD Parties report through their national reports on the extent to which they address migratory species at the national level, and on their cooperation with other Range States;

(3) An assessment be made of the financial resources needed to support capacity building and specific projects aimed at incorporating the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats.

The SBSTTA also requested the CBD Executive Secretary in close collaboration with the CMS Secretariat develop for the consideration of the CBD / COP a joint programme of work for the Conventions which would be implemented at all levels. This joint work programme addresses areas of common interest, namely, protected areas, indicators, monitoring and assessments, sustainable use, public education and awareness. It will also include priority areas for action and time-frames; identify key actors and the ways and means to implement it; and address financial considerations. The CBD/CMS joint work programme will be further discussed at the CBD COP scheduled for 8-26 April 2002.

The SBSTTA also invited the CBD Executive Secretary to generate in collaboration with the CMS Secretariat and relevant organizations, guidance for the integration of migratory species into the national biodiversity strategies and action plans and ongoing and future programmes of work under the CBD.

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