2025/020: Launch of the South-West Asia Illegal Taking of Migratory Birds Intergovernmental Task Force CMS Decisions 14.126 - 14.129

Following the adoption of Resolution 11.16 (Rev.COP14) and related Decisions 14.126 to 14.129, the first meeting of the South-West Asia Illegal Taking of Migratory Birds Intergovernmental Task Force (SWAITB) took place in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 20 and 21 May 2025. All documents related to this first meeting can be found here on the CMS website.

The SWAITB brings together the following states: Bahrain, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. It also aims to convene all relevant institutions, IGOs, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders working towards addressing the threat posed by ITB in the region.  

The first meeting of the Task Force fulfilled its planned objectives, including the finalization and endorsement of the Terms of Reference for the Task Force, recommending them for adoption by the CMS Standing Committee, and the elaboration of a draft Illegal Taking of Birds Action Plan (SWAITB Action Plan). Following the finalization of the meeting report, an email was sent to all meeting participants on 7 July 2025 inviting members and observers to send comments on the draft SWAITB Action Plan by 1 August.

The CMS Secretariat is now pleased to invite all Range States of the SWAITB to nominate a Focal Point as a national representative for the Task Force. Additionally, the Secretariat invites all Focal Points, stakeholders and Range States of the SWAITB Task Force to propose nominations of observers for the Task Force.

Please submit your proposals by 25 August 2025 to [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject line: SWAITB Focal Point.