Bonn, 27 January 2012 - Following the proposal of the European Union and its Member States, the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) was, after extensive discussions, uplisted to CMS Appendix I at COP10 (20-25 November 2011).

A Working Group of 38 members gathered seven times during the COP10 to consider the listing proposal and to develop a package of measures designed to enhance the conservation status of the Saker Falcon throughout its range. In particular, the Working Group assisted in the drafting of COP Resolution 10.28 on the Saker Falcon, available here. This Resolution acknowledges the listing of the Saker Falcon on CMS Appendix I, excluding the population in Mongolia, and decides to establish an immediate Concerted Action supported by all concerned.

As a result of the Resolution, a Saker Falcon Task Force (STF) is to be established with the ambitious objective of bringing together Range States, Partners and interested parties to develop a coordinated Global Action Plan, including a management and monitoring system, to conserve the Saker Falcon. According to the mandate granted at COP, the Task Force will operate under the auspices of the Interim Coordinating Unit (ICU) of the UNEP/CMS Raptors MoU, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The ICU is planning to host the 1st meeting of the STF on 29 March 2012 in Abu Dhabi. Terms of Reference for the Task Force (available here) have been drafted for adoption at the 1st meeting. These Terms of Reference have been circulated to all key Saker Falcon Range States, Partners and other interested parties, along with a request for Expressions of Interest from representatives who wish to be considered to serve on the STF.