After presenting the work of the Convention by Professor Nogge, Mr. El Kabiri emphasized how the Cologne Zoo and CMS work respectively to conserve migratory animals.

With its participation in the European Breeding Programme the Cologne Zoo contributes to conserving these animals and ensuring their survival for future generations. CMS has collaborated with breeding centres in order to reintroduce Sahelo-Saharan antelopes into the wild. CMS and the Cologne Zoo are committed to the same flagship species.
The Cologne Zoo is the only zoological garden in Germany with Saiga Antelopes. It thus helps to preserve a number of individuals in captivity. They act as ambassadors to the general public. CMS is currently negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding with the Range States of the Saiga Antelope. China, which is not a Range State, has joined consultations to sustainably conserve this endangered animal.

Both Professor Nogge and Mr. El Kabiri expressed their satisfaction that Siberian Cranes will enrich the biological diversity of the Cologne Zoo later this year. CMS responded to detailed media enquiries on the status of this endangered flagship species and the work of the Convention to reduce threats. CMS has strongly supported the development of a UNEP-GEF African Eurasian Flyway project. The Siberian Crane UNEP-GEF project will focus on two crane flyways and using the Siberian Crane as a flagship species to identify an international network of key wetlands supporting migratory waterbirds in West and Central Asia and East Asia.

CMS continues its outreach strategy in Germany. The Cologne Zoo is an excellent location to host the CMS exhibition. It attracts the general public that will learn more about our common natural heritage: migratory animals.