Bonn, 10 May 2016 – the CMS Family is very pleased to welcome the United Arab Emirates as the 123^rd Party to the Convention, with effect from 1May 2016.

The accession of the UAE reinforces the already strong links between the country and the Convention. Indeed, the UAE has been a key partner in developing and supporting the MOUs on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MOU) and on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range (Dugong MOU), for which the coordinating offices are based in Abu Dhabi. The UAE is furthermore also a signatory to the MOU on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks and of the Indian Ocean – South-East Asian Marine Turtle MOU, both members of the CMS Family.

As well as large areas of desert, the UAE has a high biodiversity of marine and avian fauna. The long coastline boasts a richness of marine wildlife and serves as resting and foraging grounds for migratory birds on the Eurasian and Central Asian flyways, with migratory falcons playing an integral part of the national cultural heritage. Recognizing fast development in coastal areas as particularly threatening to its natural resources, the UAE has established a range of national parks and protected areas in a commitment to conserve its coastal habitats as well as their biodiversity.

CMS adds to a portfolio of global and regional biodiversity-related conventions and Agreements to which the UAE is already committed. The country is a contracting party of Ramsar, CITES and CBD, amongst which it has recognized synergies notably in the conservation of its coastline.