Online Workshop: Developing National Action Plans to Combat the Illegal Taking of Migratory Birds in South-West Asia

Online Workshop: Developing National Action Plans to Combat the Illegal Taking of Migratory Birds

The establishment of the South-West Asia Illegal Taking of Migratory Birds Intergovernmental Task Force (SWAITB TF) is a critical step in addressing the significant threat posed to migratory birds by illegal taking of migratory birds (ITB) across the region (Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, KSA, UAE, and Yemen). The Action Plan to eradicate the illegal taking of migratory birds in South-West Asia for the period 2024 – 2032 has been approved by SWAITB T, to effectively track progress and meet the action plan's objectives, two immediate priorities are necessary:

1. Agreeing guidelines for monitoring ITB Agreeing on draft ITB Monitoring Guidelines for setting a baseline and for monitoring ITB in the region to establish the current scale and scope of ITB in the region. (Objective 1; Action 1 of the Action Plan)
2. Developing National Action Plans (NAPs): Guiding members to develop and implement robust, country-specific NAPs against ITB, aligning with international best practices. (Objective 2; Action 1 of the Action Plan)

This workshop will leverage the experience of successful regional initiatives, particularly the Intergovernmental Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds in the Mediterranean (MIKT), to fast-track the SWAITB TF's work on monitoring and policy development.

2. Objectives

The primary objectives of the workshop are to:

1. Share Best Practices: Facilitate the transfer of practical knowledge and lessons learned on ITB monitoring, data collection, and policy from the CMS MIKT region to SWAITB TF members.
2. Develop guidelines for carrying monitoring of ITB for the definition of the baseline (Objective 1, Activity 1.1.): Finalize the regional guidelines and methodology for ITB monitoring in South-West Asia, enabling each country to contribute data for the regional baseline definition.
3. Develop NAP Framework (Objective 2; Activity 2.1.): Provide technical guidance and a clear roadmap/template for SWAITB TF Members to initiate and develop their National ITB Action Plans (NAPs) and relevant policy documents.
4. Promote Cooperation: Strengthen collaboration and information exchange between SWAITB TF Focal Points, the CMS Secretariat, and observer organizations on technical and policy issues.

3. Target Audience

• SWAITB TF National Focal Points and Technical Experts (Government/Wildlife Authority)
• Observer International NGOs/Partners and from the South-West Asia region
• Representatives and Technical Experts from the CMS MIKT (Mediterranean Task Force)

4.Expected Outcomes

• Launch the elaboration of the Regional ITB Monitoring Guideline for defining the baseline and monitoring progress, for adoption at the meeting next year.
• Roadmap for the Development of National ITB Action Plans (NAPs) adopted by SWAITB TF members.
• Proposals for Enhancing capacities among SWAITB TF Focal Points on ITB monitoring methodologies and policy frameworks?

Network and commitment for regional cooperation to combat ITB

Access the Online Workshop