The Fifth Meeting of the CMS Working Group on Flyways (FWG5) scheduled for Tuesday, 27 May 2025, to be held online. To support implementation of CMS Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP14) Flyways and associated Decisions, as well as the formation of three sub-groups (New Programme of Work (POW), Gaps, and Priorities; Seabirds; and Other Instruments and Platforms/Hubs). 

The meeting is addressed to members of the Flyways Working Group (FWG), sub-group members, and external experts, upon invitation. 

Meeting objectives 

1. To review progress made and the draft documents prepared by the three FWG sub-groups to fulfill decision 14.140 (see cms_cop14_decisions_e.pdf)
2. To determine next steps to finalize documents in time for consideration at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP15)
3. Make recommendations for consideration by the FWG
4. To review Flyway Working Group membership

Background 

The Flyways Working Group (FWG) was established in 2009 under the CMS Scientific Council. Its continuation was mandated by the CMS COP through Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP14). Acting as a global think tank, the FWG addresses scientific, technical, and policy issues to safeguard migratory birds and their habitats. It focuses on flyways worldwide of all migratory bird species groups covered under CMS: waterbirds, seabirds and landbirds (including passerines, raptors, grassland and forest birds) 

FWG members have been actively working towards the conservation of migratory birds and their ecosystems. The FWG4 meeting follows previous meetings FWG1, FWG2, FWG3 and FWG4.  

For further details about the meeting, please refer to the Meeting Documents section below.