Bonn, 15 May 2009 – The Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone Mr Jongopie Siaka Stevens, paid a visit to the CMS Secretariat on 15 May to be briefed on the activities of the Convention.

Executive Secretary Robert Hepworth explained the main objectives of the Convention and summarized results of the last Meeting of the Conference of the Parties in December 2008.

The Ambassador stated that Sierra Leone was aware of the importance conserving its natural heritage and that the country was already signatory of the CMS MoU on West African Elephants. Sierra Leone saw the advantages of joining CMS, which has a much more specific approach to single species and can therefore be an effective tool for their conservation. He requested more detailed information about the mechanisms for accession and membership requirements.

At the end of his visit, the Executive Secretary presented the Ambassador with a special CMS crystal key ring and looked toward to future meetings in Berlin.