CMS Executive Secretary Robert Hepworth visited Rome 14-15 February 2008 to further preparations of the 9th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) on 1-5 December 2008 in the Italian capital and to promote collaboration with Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).

Italy has expressed its willingness to contribute in several ways to the organisation and success of COP9. As delegates from over 100 parties will participate, logistical support during the conference is paramount. CMS and the Government of Italy are proceeding with the organisation of COP, including the negotiation of the Host Country Agreement and the development of a joint campaign for the COP. Italy is also working on several technical inputs to the COP including a national atlas of migratory species with a focus on birds. Given its particular interest in shark conservation measures in the Mediterranean Sea, Italy expressed interest in supporting the second meeting on a CMS agreement on migratory sharks, which may now be held in Rome immediately after the COP.

The shark meeting could also receive special support from FAO. Mr. Hepworth met senior FAO representatives and agreed on closed co-operation between the two organizations in preparing for the meeting. FAO suggested that CMS might want to attend the next meeting of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) in 2008.

The Executive Secretary also met Jim Butler, FAO Deputy Director General, who welcomed the continuing co-operation between CMS and FAO as co-conveners of the Science Task Force on Avian Influenza. In subsequent meetings with senior FAO officials, several other issues were identified for possible co-operation between the two agencies. A partnership agreement will now be prepared for signature during the COP in Rome.