Allowing the continued use of wildlife poisons when safe, non-toxic alternatives are available is perverse. When those alternatives also deliver substantial benefits for human health as well as conservation, the imperative to act becomes even stronger.

Parties therefore have a critical responsibility to act—not only to fulfil their conservation obligations under Resolution 11.15 (Rev. COP14) on Preventing Poisoning, but also to deliver wider One Health benefits in line with Resolution 12.6 (Rev. COP14) on Wildlife Health. Within this broader health context, the event will focus on two priority issues:

 

The catastrophic collapse of vulture populations in South Asia, driven by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), resulted not only in a conservation crisis but also in severe and far-reaching consequences for human health. The loss of vulture-provided ecosystem services is estimated to have contributed to hundreds of thousands of human deaths.

With these drugs posing potential risks to migratory raptors in other regions, engagement with veterinary authorities is essential. This event will launch a joint initiative by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), CMS, and IUCN, beginning with the publication of a practical factsheet for veterinary authorities and practitioners. It will also present the NSAIDs Report prepared by the Raptors MOU Coordinating Unit, providing an overview of the current circulation of NSAIDs across many vulture range states and progress in implementing CMS-recommended actions to address their impacts.

 

Delays in restricting lead ammunition continue to permit the poisoning of wildlife, livestock, and companion animals, while also posing serious risks to human health—particularly to children—wherever hunting and shooting occur. With the United Kingdom having decided to restrict lead ammunition, and the European Union poised to follow suit under the REACH chemical regulation framework, this event will examine the factors hindering timely action and the delivery of this vital One Health solution.

 

The slogan at COP11, when Resolution 11.15 was first adopted, remains as relevant as ever: Time for Action!