Vultures are the only truly obligate vertebrate scavengers and therefore provide critical ecosystem Services to people. However, due to human threats such as poisoning, shooting, and electrocution, they are the most threatened functional group among birds, with 60% of species listed as threatened and 70% experiencing population declines at global level. Over the past few decades, we have witnessed unprecedented catastrophic declines in vulture populations worldwide. These declines first emerged in Europe, then in Asia, Africa, and most recently in the Americas. The CMS community has already demonstrated that coordinated, large-scale action can transform trajectories. The African-Eurasian vultures Multi-species Action Plan (MsAP) was adopted unanimously at CMS COP13 in Manila, 2017, and provides a structured, strategic, and politically supported model. Its 2023 mid-term implementation review offers critical insights into what works, what fails, and what must be strengthened to maintain momentum through 2029.

 

This side event will highlight the lessons learnt from the African Eurasian Vulture MsAP and introduce the Americas Vulture MsAP initiative, led and sponsored by the Ecuadorian Government, with technical coordination from Fundación Cóndor Andino and support from national and international partners. The session will outline: (1) Why can the Americas not afford further delay in establishing a coordinated regional Action Plan? (2) How lessons learned from the African Eurasian MsAP should inform the structure, governance, and priorities of the new plan? (3) Concrete next steps for CMS Parties and partners to advance the formal development of the Americas Vulture MsAP during and after CoP15. This event is designed to catalyze political alignment, technical cooperation, and regional commitment toward a coordinated hemispheric response for vulture conservation.

 

This event offers a timely opportunity for CMS Parties and stakeholders to engage directly in shaping the next phase of global vulture conservation under CMS, drawing on proven experience from an existing CMS-endorsed Multi-species Action Plan. Participation will enable Parties to understand the policy relevance and added value of coordinated regional action, and to help define concrete roles for governments in advancing a new Americas Vulture MsAP while reinforcing commitments to existing CMS priorities.