CMS Intersessional Working Group on Linear Infrastruture

The 13th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP13) adopted Decisions 13.130-13.134 to address the impact of infrastructure on migratory species and their habitats. In accordance with Decision 13.131, the CMS Scientific Council Sessional Committee established a multi-stakeholder Intersessional Working Group (IWG) composed of stakeholders with experience and knowledge on the impact of linear infrastructure development on migratory species and options for mitigation. Decision 13.133 requests the CMS Secretariat to organize at least one meeting of the Working Group to implement the IWGs Terms of Reference as given by the Scientific Council in UNEP/CMS/ScC-SC5/Outcome 13.

The meeting of the IWG will also address the implementation of the Guidelines for Addressing the Impact of Linear Infrastructure on Large Migratory Mammals in Central Asia and contribute to the implementation of the CAMI Programme of Work, Measures 3.5 and 3.6.

The main objectives of this Meeting are:

• Review the report “Linear Infrastructure and Migratory Species: the role of impact assessment and landscape approaches”, prepared in response to Decisions 13.130-13.  
• Agree on a workplan and priority tasks for the Working Group during the meeting, based on the recommendations contained in the report “Linear Infrastructure and Migratory Species: the role of impact assessment and landscape approaches”, as well as selected recommendations of the “Guidelines for Addressing the Impact of Linear Infrastructure on Large Migratory Mammals (CAMI guidelines) in Central Asia”; 
• Develop recommendations on the future direction of work under the Convention to support Parties in addressing the impact of linear infrastructure on migratory species. 

The meeting is jointly organised by the CMS Secretariat and the International Academy for Nature Conservation of the BfN with funding from the German Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). It is being convened within the framework of the 2020 – 2023 Joint Work Programme between the CMS Secretariat and the BfN under the activity “Identifying Approaches for Mitigating the Effects of Infrastructure Development on Migratory Wildlife.” 

Participation in the meeting is upon invitation by the CMS Secretariat and BfN.