Third meeting of the Flyways Working Group - online

source: BirdLife International

Online via Zoom | 9 April 2024

The CMS Secretariat organized the Third Flyways Working Group Meeting in April 2024 following on the adopted amendments to Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP14) “Flyways” and its associated Decisions.

Meeting objectives

1. Review changes adopted to Resolution 12.11 (Rev.COP14) and associated Decisions directed to the Flyways Working Group (and the Scientific Council more generally) to identify priority tasks
2. Identify mechanisms and approaches by which the Flyways Working Group can act as a platform to exchange experiences and best practices across flyway related initiatives
3. Agree on the best way forward to define and implement priority actions under the FWG

Background

The Flyways Working Group (FWG) was established in 2009 under the framework of the CMS Scientific Council. Mandated by the Ninth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP9) through Resolution 9.2, its primary aim is to review and develop conservation frameworks and agreements for migratory species. Acting as a global think tank, the FWG addresses scientific, technical, and policy issues to safeguard migratory birds and their habitats.

FWG members have been actively working towards safeguarding migratory birds and their habitats. This will be the 3rd meeting of the working group (FWG3) after its meetings (FWG1) and (FWG2).

Key meeting outcomes

1. Priority Task Teams Established: Agreement to form smaller task teams focusing on key areas leading to formation of Seabirds, Review of the Global POW, Collaboration with Other Instruments, Platforms and Hubs; and Gaps and Priorities sub-groups.
2. Focus on Coordination: Emphasis on improving collaboration across Flyway initiatives, task forces, and working groups, with FWG members acting as liaisons to ensure effective information sharing.
3. Resource Mobilization: Recognition of resource limitations and that FWG could support resource acquisition for Flyways-related activities drawing example from regional flyway initiative in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF).
4. Next Steps Defined: Commitment to circulate a summary of tasks and priorities, inviting FWG members to nominate themselves for task teams, and preparing for follow-up progress reports to the Scientific Council.

For detailed information about the meeting please refer to the Meeting Documents section below.