Bonn, 22 September 2008 - 11 countries participated in a teleconference held today at the UN Premises in Bonn to discuss key developments since the 32nd meeting, preparations for CoP9 and other issues. Australian representative Andrew McNee chaired the meeting.

Executive Secretary Robert Hepworth gave an overview of the Secretariat’s activities during the last triennium including the opening of an office in Washington in May 2008, the presentation of the Thesis Award to a research study on bycatch, the recent outcome of the meeting of the signatory states to the Dugong MoU and developments in the African Marine Turtle and the IOSEA MoU. Other highlights were the upcoming WATCH II meeting to conclude a MoU on West African Small Cetaceans and Sirenians, the finalization of the new MoU on Raptors, the first meeting of the signatory states of the South American MoU on Grassland Birds, as well as the Year of the Dolphin 2007-2008, the Year of the Gorilla 2009 and a new mobile exhibition to be displayed at the CMS COP in Rome.

The Secretariat reported on logistics with regard to the CMS COP at FAO Headquarters and main events planned. The only Draft Resolution received so far on the intersessional process regarding the future shape of CMS is currently under consideration from the European Union comments from EU member states and other countries were invited.

Following the morning’s informal meeting on the CMS Budget, the Executive Secretary provided further information on the manpower issue and recruitment processes during the current triennium.

Representatives to the Standing Committee also discussed possible changes to its composition to reflect the Convention’s growth. At the end of the meeting, Germany reported on the outcome of the AEWA MOP, where Parties granted a 15% budget increase.