The UNEP/CMS Secretariat and those of the co-located Agreements on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS) and the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS) will move on 16 June 2006 to occupy adjacent floors in the new building for UN agencies in Bonn. The new building (known locally as the “Langer Eugen” after the name of a former President of the German Parliament) has been provided by the Government of Germany. It formerly housed members of the German Parliament before its transfer to Berlin starting in 1999.

Mr Hepworth said: “ The move to the new UN campus will allow the CMS Secretariat and our Bonn based Agreements to be re-united in one office after more than 2 years apart. This will give a boost to internal communication.” He also acknowledged the commitment of the Government of Germany and the tireless efforts of the Lady Mayor of Bonn, Bärbel Dieckmann in backing the needs of the CMS Family in Bonn. “My colleagues and I in CMS regret losing the wonderful home which the German government has provided for us in Haus Carstanjen, while acknowledging that the move has wider advantages for the City, and especially for larger UN agencies”, he continued.

He also announced that a new CMS Family Intern scheme, which started on1 June 2006, and is designed to take advantage of the extra rooms available at the new UN building in Bonn. Robert Hepworth emphasized the international scope and practical approach of the new Internship programme: “We invite students from Germany and beyond to apply to provide university students with practical experience and education in UN institutions which complements their field of study and helps prepare them for their working lives. Fascinating subject material and the variety of work will promote a better understanding of the instruments of the Convention. We hope CMS Family staff members and interns will soon discover the benefits of the working conditions at the new venue in the UN City of Bonn.”

Email and telephone numbers are unchanged.

Contact details:
Convention on Migratory Species
UNEP/CMS Secretariat
Hermann-Ehlers-Str. 10
53113 Bonn, Germany
Tel. +49-(0)228-815 2401/2
Fax +49-(0)228-815 2449
e-mail: secretariat@cms.int
http://www.cms.int