Bonn, 2 June 2014 - The UNEP/AEWA Secretariat is pleased to announce that the UNEP Executive Director has appointed Dr Jacques Trouvilliez as the new Executive Secretary of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).  He began his new role as head of the UNEP/AEWA Secretariat on 2 June 2014.

With almost 30 years’ experience in the field of biodiversity conservation, Dr Jacques Trouvilliez has been strongly involved in the work and development of international environment agreements, such as AEWA, the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

“I would like to welcome Jacques Trouvilliez warmly to the CMS Family and I look forward to working closely with him in his role as the new head of AEWA to enhance cooperation between the Secretariats further and to continue to move the future shape process forward,” said Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary of CMS.  
Formerly Senior Advisor for “Biodiversity and International Affairs” to the General Director of Planning, Housing and Nature and the French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing, Mr Trouvilliez brings with him considerable experience in the area of international nature conservation, with a particular focus on birds and wetlands.

"I am delighted and excited to be taking up my tasks as the new AEWA Executive Secretary. Bird migration has always fascinated me. Along their flyways, waterbirds create strong links not only between wetlands but also between people,” said Jacques Trouvilliez. “AEWA is a powerful tool for the conservation of migratory birds and strongly contributes to halting the erosion of biodiversity, especially in wetlands.   I have a fascinating challenge ahead of me. I know that I can rely on a dedicated team at the Secretariat, the genuine involvement of Parties and active partner organizations, and the support of the whole CMS Family" said Jacques Trouvilliez.

The Deputy Executive Secretary of CMS and former Executive Secretary of AEWA, Mr Bert Lenten, added: “Jacques Trouvilliez has been involved in AEWA since the very early days and was part of the French delegation when the negotiations leading to the adoption of AEWA took place in 1995. Since then he has continued to be engaged in the conservation and sustainable use of waterbirds. His educational background and long-standing experience with respect to conservation of waterbirds make him a most suitable candidate to take up the post of Executive Secretary of AEWA”.

The UNEP/AEWA Secretariat warmly welcomes the new Executive Secretary and is looking forward to further promoting the work of AEWA and the conservation of migratory waterbirds in the African-Eurasian region with him.

By Dunia Sforzin.