Bonn, 29 December 2011 - Lahcen El Kabiri joined the CMS Secretariat as Deputy Executive Secretary in the autumn of 2004, where the extensive knowledge of North African conservation issues he had gained while working in the Moroccan Ministry of Environment stood him in good stead to lead CMS’s flagship Sahelo-Saharan antelope project to restore their populations in 14 countries in North Africa.

During his time in Bonn, a number of instruments were developed, notably the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Monk Seal, the Dugong and Raptors. He was also closely involved in the coordination with SINEPAD (Secrétariat Intérimaire du Volet Environnement du NEPAD) of the interim secretariat overseeing the MOU on the marine turtles of the eastern Atlantic.

He left CMS’s Bonn HQ in May 2009 to establish and lead the new CMS/Abu Dhabi Office, from where the Dugong and Raptors MOUs are being administered and which is helping to boost the profile of the Convention in the region. He leaves the CMS/Abu Dhabi Office with its future secured with adequate financial resources for its operational activities from the host country, the United Arab Emirates for a further three years. His colleagues at the CMS Secretariat wish him a long and happy retirement in Morocco.

Ms. Donna Kwan, Programme Officer for the Dugong MOU has been appointed to be the Officer in Charge for the Office until the new Executive Coordinator is appointed and takes over the position. She will also continue with her current functions and responsibilities as the Programme Officer for the Dugong MOU.