Washington, 29 August - On the occasion of his visit to Washington to discuss opportunities for US authorities to cooperate with CMS on migratory species, CMS Executive Secretary Robert Hepworth met Monique Barbut, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Given the unprecedented geographical coverage of conservation initiatives supported by the agency, Mr. Hepworth suggested to highlight their impact at the next Conference of the Parties in Rome, in December 2008. GEF currently funds the Development of a Wetland Site and Flyway Network for Conservation of the Siberian Crane and Other Migratory Waterbirds in Asia, which helps to implement the relevant MoU. The Wings Over Wetlands (WOW) African-Eurasian GEF Flyways Project is the largest international wetland and waterbird conservation initiative ever to take place in this region. In addition to improving the management of waterbirds and key wetland sites in Africa and Eurasia, the unique flyway conservation approach will allow for a new web-based information portal. It will provide more data on migratory flight paths across the continents.

A major GEF project in the Americas, which is supported by CMS is the Western Hemisphere Migratory Species Initiative (WHMSI). As part of this initiative CMS seeks to contribute significantly to the conservation of the migratory species of the Western Hemisphere. Strengthening communication and cooperation among nations, international conventions and civil society, and expanding constituencies and political support are among its main activities. Objectives include the compilation of pertinent conservation resources; the adoption of best management practices and the mitigation of primary threats. In addition, populations of threatened species need to be restored. WHMSI is considered of great value and importance to the region in terms of communicating and raising awareness of the ecological, economic and cultural importance of migratory species.

Ms. Barbut pointed out GEF’s key role in the governance debate as the provider of two thirds of UNEP’s actual disposable income for the environment. She has shown a particular interest in CMS work on Avian Influenza, tourism and wildlife watching, dolphins and Sahelo Saharan Antelope Projects. Regional networks of protected areas, mainstreaming conservation, human development, and invasive species were amongst GEF priorities in the coming period, she stated.