Meeting

Joint Meeting of the Working Group on the CMS African Eurasian Landbirds Action Plan and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

03 - 04 Dec 2026
Registration deadline:
Location:
Cresta Spray View, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Abbreviation:
CMS AEMLAP-UNCCD
Northern Wheatear © Adobe Stock Images

The Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is pleased to convene the Joint Meeting of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the CMS Working Group on the African-Eurasian Migratory Landbirds Action Plan (AEMLAP), on Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Targets. The meeting will be held from 3 to 4 December 2026, back-to-back with the Fourth Meeting of Signatories to the Raptors MoU (MOS4; 30 Nov – 02 Dec 2026), in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. 

This Joint Meeting is open to members and observers of CMS AEMLAP Working Group and focal points of both CMS and UNCCD, as well as selected experts and stakeholders. This occasion will provide a platform to discuss recent developments, strengthen international cooperation, and advance the implementation of the AEMLAP Working Group Programme of Work (PoW) for 2026-2032 and UNCCD LDN Targets. 

Meeting objectives 

The primary objectives of the meeting are to: 

Discuss effective habitat restoration interventions that improve the conservation status of CMS-listed migratory species and impact assessment approaches using migratory landbirds as an indicator of restoration success; 

  • Showcase best-practice already in place in the African-Eurasian Region, enabling countries to meet both CMS and UNCCD Strategic Goals, while improving local livelihoods; 

  • Review the current implementation of the PoW for the AEMLAP Working Group and identify priority actions for the development of a joint CMS/UNCCD PoW; 

  • Explore fundraising options to support restoration efforts and enhance regional and international implementation and cooperation. 

Background 

Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is an integral component of SDG Target 15.3 endorsed by the UNCCD COP. Avoiding land degradation is the most cost-effective way to maximize the conservation of natural capital. 

The AEMLAP Working Group promotes the implementation of the AEMLAP, established under CMS Resolution 11.17(Rev.COP15); the resolution was adopted during the 11th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CMS (CMS COP11, Quito, 2014). The AEMLAP aims to improve the conservation status of African-Eurasian migratory landbird species through coordinated international action, habitat conservation, research and monitoring, and the promotion of sustainable land-use practices across flyways. 

The UNCCD leads global efforts to combat desertification, land degradation and drought, and supports countries in achieving LDN, defined as a state where the quantity and quality of land resources needed to support ecosystem functions and services remain stable or increase. Through the LDN Target Setting Programme, the Convention assists countries in establishing and implementing voluntary national targets to avoid, reduce and reverse land degradation by 2030. 

Habitat loss and land degradation are among the most significant threats migratory landbirds currently face. A joint effort between AEMLAP and UNCCD could help identify synergies between land restoration, sustainable land management, and the conservation of migratory species, contributing to both biodiversity and sustainable development objectives. Especially considering that the CMS has set ambitious goals in the AEMLAP Working Group PoW 2026-2032, including demonstrating the importance of habitat restoration actions for improving the quality of native habitats for migratory birds and supporting sustainable livelihoods, which are key to achieving UNCCD Parties’ LDN Targets. 

Participant Registration 

Online registration is now open. The registration deadline is 30 September 2026 for supported delegates and delegates requiring a visa. The registration deadline for non-supported participants is 20 October 2026. 

Please register using one of the following links: 

Be aware that the registration link is the one used for the Raptors MoU MOS4. There is a specific box in the registration forms that participants can click in order to express their interest in staying after the MOS4 for the AEMLAP-UNCCD Joint Meeting. 

Organizer:
CMS Secretariat
Coorganizer:
UNCCD
Meeting kind:
Official