Following the successful conclusion of the first WATCH meeting, which was held in Adeje, Tenerife, Spain, during the week of 16-20 October 2007, the UNEP/CMS Secretariat is pleased to announce the second inter-governmental meeting on Western African and Macaronesian aquatic mammals, titled “WATCH – Western African Talks on Cetaceans and their Habitats”. This United Nations-based meeting is scheduled for 2-3 October 2008 and will take place in Lomé, Togo. At this meeting, the final negotiation and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and the two Action Plans, one for the West African Manatee and one for Small Cetaceans, should take place.

Meeting Venue

Hôtel Ibis
Avenue du Général de Gaulle
BP : 128, Lomé
Togo

Funding

Fundraising efforts are ongoing to allow one representative of each eligible Range State to receive travel support from the Convention in order to attend the meeting. Funding will be dependent on the presentation of the nominated representative’s credentials by 8 August 2008. The credentials should specify that person’s authorisation to speak on behalf of their country and sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

The CMS Secretariat will make travel arrangements after consultation with each funded delegate.

Letters of Invitation for Visa Process

Upon presentation of the Letter of Credential, delegates will be issued an individual invitation letter to assist in obtaining their visas. Other self-funded participants can also request an invitation letter in order to facilitate the issuing of a visa for entry into Togo. The Secretariat will not directly contact embassies and consulates on behalf of applicants. It is the sole responsibility of the delegate to take care of his/her visa requirements. Delegates who require an entry visa must allow sufficient time for the application procedure.

Information for Participants

The Ministry in Togo recommended three hotels:

Hôtel Ibis (Avenue du Général de Gaulle, BP : 128, Lomé, Tél. : (228) 221 24 85, Fax : (228) 221 61 25)
The Secretariat will make reservations for funded delegates in this hotel. The total price per person per night, including breakfast is 48,000 CFA (approx. 73 €). Some rooms have been pre-booked there also for self-funded delegates. When making your reservation, please mention that you participate in the WATCH II Meeting as a self-funded observer.

Folyana Guest House (Bd du 13 Janvier, Lomé, Togo, Tél.: 221 02 22)
Rooms cost between 16,800 and 29,800 CFA (approx. 25-45 €) incl. breakfast. The meeting venue is within 10 minutes walking distance from this hotel.

Hôtel le relais AHODIKPE (19, Bd du 13 Janvier BP 13380, Lomé, Togo, Tél.: 222 13 99, Fax: 222 28 44)
Rooms cost between 16,500 and 21,500 CFA (approx. 25-33 €) incl. breakfast. The meeting venue is within 10 minutes walking distance from this hotel.

Programme of WATCH II

An Agenda and Timetable is currently under preparation.

Contacts

For all queries, please contact:

Ms Heidrun Frisch
Marine Mammals Officer
UNEP/CMS Secretariat
Email: hfrisch@cms.int
Tel. +49 228 815 2418
Fax: +49 228 815 2449