La Rochelle, 15 May 2012 - The AEWA African preparatory workshop to the 5th Meeting of the Parties to AEWA (MOP 5) took place on 12-13 May 2012 in the city of La Rochelle in France. An independent facilitation team conducted the workshop and provided further support to the finalization of the draft AEWA Plan of Action for Africa. The workshop was held in a participatory and interactive manner through discussions and thematic group sessions which enabled the Parties to establish and consolidate common positions on key issues of relevance to Africa and to prepare for effective participation at the AEWA MOP 5.

Delegates from 25 different African countries, represented by a good number of common CMS and AEWA national focal points, actively participated in the workshop. The CMS and AEWA joint capacity building activities were further discussed in the thematic group on CEPA (Communication, Education and Public Awareness) and Capacity Building. The Parties gave their support - and provided further suggestions - for the joint capacity building project in the African region which is funded through the ENRTP Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) between European Commission - DG Environment and UNEP.