ThThe first Joint Work Progamme (JWP) between the Ramsar Bureau, the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Secretariat of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) was concluded during a signing ceremony on the occasion of the Global Flyway Conference held 4-8 April 2004 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Mr Nick Davidson, Deputy Secretary General who signed the JWP on behalf of the Ramsar Bureau, conveyed a message from Peter Bridgewater, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention: “We look forward to many more years of fruitful co-operation with the CMS family for migratory species which fly, swim or walk through our wetlands!” CMS Executive Secretary Mr Arnulf Müller-Helmbrecht (see pictured) recognised the role of Mr. Gerard Boere, International Programme Co-ordinator at Wetlands International, in laying the groundwork for this close co-operation. He pointed out that this marks a new landmark in a series of JWPs the CMS Secretariat concluded over the last few years. This JWP is the second concluded under AEWA. Bert Lenten, Executive Secretary of the AEWA Secretariat, highlighted the important commitment of the Ramsar Convention so far as well as its future role regarding the development and implementation of the Agreement.

The JWP will strengthen joint efforts with a view to implementing both conventions and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds Agreement. The signatories will promote the implementation of the other convention by existing Contracting Parties. All three Secretariats agreed that reserves for migratory species to be established under CMS should include existing Ramsar sites. In addition, they will identify key wetlands as Ramsar sites. This institutional cooperation provides for an exchange of data to coordinate annual work programmes and activities with a view to identifying possible joint activities which will lead to joint efforts to achieve synergies and economies of scale. According to the JWP, the Ramsar Convention will make an endeavour to assist in the implementation of CMS and AEWA. Furthermore, co-operative activities for the conservation of migratory wetland species will be promoted.

This JWP provides a formal basis to enhance an already existing good collaboration between the three Secretariats. Their common objective is to better conserve migratory species of wetland fauna and flora including their habitats.