Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan sign the CMS Raptors agreement ahead of CMS COP14
Ministers of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan signed the CMS Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MOU)
Samarkand, 11 February 2024 - Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have today signed the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MOU) in the occasion of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of Parties to CMS (CMS COP14) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
H.E. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed the Raptors MOU, followed by H.E. Nurken Sharbiyev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Kazakhstan; and H.E. Melis Turgunbaev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, Kyrgyzstan signed the Memorandum at the High Level Segment prior to the CMS COP14. This brings the total number of Signatories to the Raptors MOU to 64. And adds a crucial contribution to the geographic coverage of the MOU.
Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov said “Uzbekistan is at the core of Central Asia hosting diverse habitats and rich biodiversity including many migratory raptors in need of national and international action to ensure their conservation. Also, we are delighted that other countries in this region, in keeping with the spirit of regional and international cooperation required in addressing the needs of migratory birds of prey, have signed the MOU in the occasion of the COP14 hosted by Uzbekistan”
Mr. Nurken Sharbiyev added “Kazakhstan host important breeding populations of several raptor species that migrate long distances and we need international cooperation to ensure that the work carried out in our country is match by similar efforts along their migration path. We also welcome cooperation and sharing of experience from other Signatories and Cooperating Partners to address threats operating in our country”
Mr. Melis Turgunbaev said “By signing The Raptors MOU, we commit to address the threats to migratory raptors breeding in and migrating through our country, knowing that the MOU Signatories and the Coordinating Unit will provide access to knowledge and best practices to address threats to migratory raptors.”
“By signing the Raptors MOU today, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have demonstrated their strong commitment to conserving migratory birds of prey in Africa and Eurasia. The Raptors MOU, which has been in effect since November 2008, plays a critical role in elevating the plight of these magnificent birds onto the international political agenda. Covering 94 species of migratory birds of prey, the Raptors MOU extends its reach across 130 Range States” said Ms. Rouba Abou Atieh, Executive Coordinator of CMS Office – Abu Dhabi.
Central Asian republics are strategically important countries for the conservation of migratory birds of prey given their location along the East African flyway, a significant migration route for millions of birds of prey. Out of the 94 species covered in the Raptors MOU, 47 species occur in the territories of three new Signatories, including the Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis), the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) and the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) which are classified as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. Conservation actions undertaken in this region will, therefore, offer profound benefits to almost half of the species listed on the Raptors MOU.
Uzbekistan became a Party to CMS in September 1998 and acceded to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) in April 2004.
Kazakhstan became a Party to CMS in December 2005 and currently in the process to acceded to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
Kyrgyzstan became a Party to CMS in May 2014 and acceded to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) in February 2010.
The Coordinating Unit of the Raptors MOU warmly welcomes Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and anticipates a strong collaboration in years to come. The CMS Raptors MOU will enter into effect for these three countries on 1st March 2024.
Last updated on 15 February 2024